fibroadenoma

[conn2]

I am 42 years old. I had my first mammo in 2004 and it showed nothing. I was referred due to a rash on my left breast.  In March, 2007 I had a mammo and due to conclusion of dense breast tissue, an ultra sound immediately.  Concerned about a lump in my left breast, my dr. did a core biopsy.  Still being told I had dense breasts. I returned in March of 2008 with a larger lump in the left breast.  Another mammo., ultra sound, and needle biopsy.  Diagnosed with fibrocystic change. Returned in October, 2008 after my obgyn found a lump in left breast (gettting larger) and I was noticing that it was getting significantly larger.  Same routine: mammo, ultra sound, and needle biopsy. Diagnosed with fibroadenoma and hyperplasia. The plan: "keep an eye on it and return in 6 months".
I know I can get a 2nd opinion; however, everything I read says not to worry because fibroadenomas are benign.  So does this just stay there? I just keep thinking if it was something external, I wouldn't hesitate to have it removed.

[braveheart2]

I too have had dense, fibrous breasts with fibroadenomas since my early 20s -- I am now 46. Over the years I have watched for changes with breast self-examination, ultrasounds, and mammograms, and in conjunction with my doctor's advice have had several lumps removed. All have been benign.

I have had many more lumps which have remained stable -- these, I have left in place. We no longer ultrasound them, as none have been cystic but all have been hard, fibrous lumps of varying shapes and sizes. However, the ones that have bothered me because they appeared to be significantly changing, growing larger, or appearing suspicious on X-ray, I have had removed for peace of mind.
With kind regards...

[LoriDeVille]

Hi. I understand your concerns and frustrations.  I am 37 years old, and my process started 9/07. I had lumps in my breasts.  I was told I had very fibrous breasts and very likely they were nothing to worry about.  I went in for a mammogram and quickly wisked to an ultrasound that day.  They scheduled an ultrasound needle guided biopsy for a lump on my right upper outer quad of my breast "sitting on the muscle wall" The biopsy was hard for the dr, and after repeated attempts, he "wasn't sure he got a good sample" but decided it was a fibroadenoma.  In my follow up my surgeon was unsure, and wanted an MRI.  I am a nurse, and yet my insurance wouldn't pay for it stating it was "diagnostic" after much mulling it over, and soul searching my dr and I decided to remove it.  I had a lumpectomy 10/06/08 and have not yet received my results.  I know the "wait and see" diagnosis is difficult.  I waited it out over a year, and decided for me I needed  to removed it.  I have another lump in my left breast that we "left alone" for now. we are waiting and watching that. I am hopeful that on friday I will hear that this lump removed is benign.  The surgery to remove the lump has caused major swelling and a very large hematoma.  I would fight hard for less invasive answers but regular monitoring and watching appears to be a very good option as well.
Good Luck to You, you will be in my thoughts. Lori

[japdip]

Yes, Fibroadenomas just stay there .... although they sometimes vary in relation to the hormone levels within the body. They certainly can be removed if they are causing too much trouble. They are a benign condition but certainly cause pain and discomfort. Having them removed doesn't mean that you are totally free as more may develop.  Kindest regards ...