recurrent fibroadenoma

[mybichon]

We were back at the breast specialist for a 6month follow-up.
At age 15, a 4cm fibroadenoma was removed from my daugters left breast
and now a 1 1/2 year later she has 4+ masses in left breast and the surgeon
wants to remove one that is approx 10cm.
They explained that it was similar to removing ivy from the yard
but didn't get it all so it keeps growing.
When/how will this end? Is surgery necessary AGAIN so soon?
Also, being a 36DD she wants a breast reduction but how will this fit in because the surgeon said a plastic surgeon won't want to see her until these other issues are resolved.
Just wanting her to enjoy her last high school years,
MOM

[kkrylee]

I was a 32 DDD as a teenager with severe fibrocystic breast disease.  After multiple surgeries to biopsy cysts, the doctors suggested the breast removal (subcutaneous masectomy).  I refused unless they would also to a reduction.  The reduction was done while I still have mutiple cysts and it was the best thing that I could have ever done.  It did not prevent more cysts but my only regret is that it was not done sooner.  

I then had the subcutaneous masectomy (the breasts are removed but a very small portion of the breast tissue at the nipple and under the armpit were left as to not deform as much).  But I do not think that I would make that choice again, the subcutaneous masectomy of both breasts.  I still developed more cysts in that small percentage of tissue that was left and loss all sensation in my breasts.  This was all done 25 yrs ago and my left breast now looks deformed due to the implant and the new cysts and fatty tissue.

Quite often no one looks at the long term effect of impants.  I wish you the best.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I'm sorry to hear that at a young age, she's experiencing all of these thing.  It is a relief though that these are mostly fibroadenomas and not invasive neoplasms.  These fibroadenomas are benign and there is no concrete evidence that this can transform to a malignancy.  However, the sizes of the adenomas are too big to be just observed, and her surgeon's move to remove the tumors seems valid.  In severe cases of recurrent adenomas, it believe can be discussed with the specialists regarding breast removal with reconstruction if the patient and the surgeons agrees.

I hope this will be the last surgery because it is really traumatic for a teenager to undergo all of these.  Regards and God bless.