itchy nipple

[LaLu55]

I have a itchy nipple and had a punch biopsy done and it was diagnosed as a adenoma tumor.  I will have the tumor removed next week.  Is their a difference between an adenoma tumor and a fibroadenoma tumor, also is their a way to tell how big the tumor is as they are just going to remove the nipple and send it to pathology to see if they got it all and if not they will do surgery again.


This discussion is related to Itchy Nipples - Breast Cancer.

[katarina777]

I found this comment by Dr. Paul, and who used to answer questions on this forum. I thought he was very, very good and that this comment may be helpful to you? Katrin

by PaulMD, Jul 31, 2008 10:49PM

Hi there.

Tumors grow along a spectrum of development, from benign lesions such as adenomas, or atypical hyperplasias, to frankly malignant ones such as invasive cancers.  Adenomas are a group or lump of cells that escaped the natural control of the body to form the tumor.  Cancers are also lump of cells that are beyond the control of the body, but has a tendency to invade nearby tissues and even spread or metastasize.  Having adenomas may indeed increase your risk of developing invasive cancer especially given your family history.

It is best to discuss with your oncologist about these risk reduction strategies: Hormonal drug treatment, or prophylactic mastectomies, to ultimately lessen or almost eliminate the chance of developing an invasive cancer in the future.

[katarina777]

I am not sure I understand why it is recommended that your enrire nipple is removed? That is a pretty big deal and especially if your lesion is not cancerous? Not sure if you have had a second opinion? I am just concerned but know nothing about your age, background, history, etc either? Katrin