Fibroadenoma grew into something else?

Fibroadenoma grew into something else?

Fibroadenoma grew into something else? Hi today I went in for an ultrasound for my left breast (I had one done earlier… around 1.5 years ago and the diagnosis was fibroadenoma). After the sonographer reviewed the images with the residing doctor in the radiology clinic, she said that I would need to do a biopsy, either a fine needle one or core, which my doctor would discuss with me.

My question is, is there an increased likelihood that the fibroadenoma/tumour is now cancerous? Because the first time I didn’t need to do the biopsy but now I do? Could it have been cancerous before but just diagnosed incorrectly as fibroadenoma? Do doctors order biopsies if they suspect cancer or only as a precaution?

I just gave birth last November and my “fibroadenoma” has increased in size since breastfeeding (or at least that’s when I noticed it was bigger). Can fibroadenomas grow? I’ve read that they are usually less than 3 cm in diameter but I’m sure mine is bigger than that… approx 5-6 cm. The shape is distinguishable (it’s oval-shaped round), fairly smooth and moveable which I’ve read is more likely to be characteristics of a benign tumour, but can some cancerous tumours have these qualities anyway? Because I’ve heard that a phyllodes tumour is also hard, round and mobile.

I’m undergoing a core biopsy next week and I’m so scared! I’m only 23!

Helpline information Hi cherylcat16

Welcome to the Forums, I am sure you will receive plenty of advice and support from other users.

It sounds like you are have a tough time at the moment. It may help to talk to some one on our free phone helpline on 0808 800 6000. You are able to talk about technical and emotional issues with some body who has expereince of breast cancer or is a breast cancer nurse.

The helpline is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm.

I hope you find this helpful

Kind regards

Online Host

Breast Cancer Care

hi i had a fibroadenoma had the bio-op i think due to the size of my lump. The bio-0p results came back as a bengin tumor but i still had the lump removed by surgery and today had the all clear that the removed firoadenoma was non-cancerous.
I was told i had to have it removed as they do grow, not as it would develop into cancer more that it was taking up my breast tissues cells. I was told there was no increased chance of his developing into breast cancer. mine was 3.5 cm so you will more than likely have to have it removed. I was in and out the same day, had the op under general.
i am sure you have the same as me. You will get lots of support from this site. Try to stay posotive.

thinking of you dannygirl

THANK YOU! Thank you so much for your replies Online Host and dannygirl!

I guess one of the reasons why I’m so terrified right now is that my doctor marked my biopsy as urgent and thoughts are running through my mind a thousand miles per minute!

I know that only 2% of women get breast cancer when they’re under 30 but it’s still 2%! Just so many things you start thinking about, especially now that I have a daughter that I’m just so scared that it’s not benign!

I’ve been reading through alot of posts here and everyone here is SO lovely!

Hi Cheryl

Fibroademomas are normally self-limiting, ie they grow to a certain size and then stop. However in some cases they do continue to grow and are often removed for purely cosmetic reasons.

I had a malignant tumour in my right breast and a fibroadenoma in the left. When I attempted to do research I got mixed reports. Some sites said that fibroadenomas don’t become cancerous; other stuff I read said that in rare cases they can. You are only 23, however, and that means it is far more likely to be a fibroadenoma that has grown rather than something more sinister.(Fibroadenomas are very common on young breast tissue.)

You have recently had a baby which brings about all sorts of weird changes in your breasts. The fact that it is movable is a very good sign. Fibroadenomas are characteristically rubbery and mobile. In fact,my doctor had a hard time biospying mine as it kept running away!

Doing further tests is definitely precautionary and is just the mark of a good, responsible doctor. They were almost 100% sure my left breast tumour was benign but biopsied it just to be sure. Biopsy is very reliable so it is highly unlikely your lump was malignant to start with.

Just for the record, phyllodes tumours are very, very rare and, even if they are present, can be benign. I belong to an international breast cancer website and of thousands of breast cancer survivors only two have phyllodes - one benign and one malignant.

I know it’s easy to let your imagination run away with you and try to self-diagnose but, from what you have said, the signs are good.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Love

Lola x