Fibrodenoma - to remove or leave it?
Fibrodenoma - to remove or leave it? I just wanted to know if any one has any experience of being told they had a fibrodenoma and then having it removed and it turns out to be something more sinister.
I had a core biopsy done on a lump in my breast back in January and a follow up appointment my consultant said that they were happy that the lump was benign but if I wanted the lump removing I had to make a decison witihin 6 months which is due to expire. He did tell me that the size and the location of the lump could leave me with a visible dent in my breast which might be very noticable when wearing a bikini or a vest top. I really do want to leave the lump but with no one giving me 100% assurance, feel worried if i leave it and they are wrong then I will be in a much worse place for leaving it.
I guess that I am still worrying because after the core biopsy I was really sore in the lump area, but when I could start to feel the lump it changed shape and feel’s like a small lump attached to a larger lump(could this be scar tissue or changing the shape from core biopsy -she took about 7 samples from all areas of the lump.) I mentioned this to the consultant at the follow up but he just shrugged the question off and did not seem concerned.
Sorry for waffling on but just wondered if any one had any advice that I could use to make the decision!!
Had mine removed! Hi!
Sorry I can’t make the decision for you but I can share my experience of Fibroadenoma. I found a lump earlier back in January too and after an urgent referral (despite being only 27) from my GP I had the Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) & ultrasound scan etc. done but they were unable to give me the assurance that I was looking for - the lump looked “unusual” on the ultrasound scan and the FNA results came back as “probably beign” (C3). I’m afraid that “probably” wasn’t good enough and I had the lump removed back in February at the advice of my consultant.
You also mentioned that were very sore after the biopsy - after the needle aspiration I experienced quite a bit of pain and when examined again my doctor found the lump seemed to have changed shape - after the op to remove it they told me that as well as the original Fibroadenoma I had also developed a condition called “fat necrosis” which he thought was the result of the FNA. I think there’s more info on this on this website somewhere if you want to know any more.
Anyway, if you’re not 100% happy leaving the lump then I would have it removed - it’s the only way of knowing for sure! I wouldn’t worry too much about scarring etc. My scar didn’t look too great to start with but now I barely even notice it and six months on all I have left it a fairly faint (and fading all the time) 1inch scar. There is also a dent but to be honest after a while you don’t even notice it’s there and it probably won’t be as visible as you imagine it will! Personally, I’d rather have the scar and the assurance that everyting’s o.k. than be worrying about it - I don’t know about you but having the lump there made me feel very self-conscious and uncomfortable even though no-one could see it - I’d rather live with the scar than the lump!
Sorry I can’t be of any more help - only you can decide what you’re comfortable with. I think I’d have had the lump removed no matter what but am sure there are people out there that have left benign lumps where they are and are happy with that.
Missy
Thanks for your reply. Thanks for your post Missy.
I think deep down I have known what I wanted to do. I’ve decided that I am going to get the lump removed just to hopefully put the lump out of my mind,I do not leave the thing alone with constantly checking it has not grown!!!
I have contacted the breast clinic who have told me there is a six month wait so they can’t be that concerned about it but your comments about apperance of the scar etc, were really helpful.
I hope you don’t mind me asking but did your breast really ache after the surgery and does it now feel like it felt before with no scarring inside or lumpy feel when doing breast examination??
Once again thanks for taking the time to reply to my post.
Lisa
Happy to help! Hi Lisa!
Am glad that you’ve made your decision.
I’ll try to answer to your questions. Yes, my breast really ached after the surgery but they provided me with plenty of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to take home. For the first couple of days after surgery I was very sore (the painkillers took care of that though!) but the soreness wore off quite quickly and I felt fine within a few days - just had to be careful not to lift anything too heavy!
I took a week off work which was probably about right for me - ask your doctor for advice on how long you’ll need (depends on your job). Also, I had a local anaesthetic so I didn’t have the extra recovery time that some people need after a general. Not sure that I would advise having a local though - was NOT a pleasant experience. If I had to go though it again I’d definitely go for a general anaesthetic and sleep though through the op!
I initially had scarring which I could feel when I examined myself but it was only in the area immediately under my actual scar and it just felt a bit lumpy there (as if the tissue was a bit thicker than the rest of the breast tissue). It’s taken a few months but that scar tissue seems to have slowly disappeared (either that or I just don’t notice it anymore!) My actual scar is now only about 1in long and is fading all the time (it started off as about 2 1/2 inches).
Obviously how you feel after and how quickly you recover depends on your body but I hope what I’ve told you helps. If you have any more questions or want someone to talk to nearer the time of surgery I’d be happy to help.
Good luck!
Missy.
Had lump removed Hi Lisa,
I recently had a lump removed. I had a core biopsy a few months ago which came back with a B3 result (of uncertain malignant potential). The consultant said I had to have the lump removed, and I am glad she did, as I know this is the only way I would have had peace of mind.
I had a local anaesthetic and while this was quite traumatic I am actually glad, as I did not have to recover from a general anaesthetic, which can make you feel really grotty. I felt absolutely no pain during the surgery (apart from when the anaesthetic was injected), only sensations of pushing and prodding. My lump was quite small and located in a position which made it easy to remove.
I was given pain killers after the op, which I took before I felt any pain, and to be honest, I never really had any pain or discomfort at all. I had my op on Thursday afternoon and was back at work on the Monday morning (I know this varies from person to person, and I guess I was lucky). The worst part was waiting for the results which took 3 weeks. I was given the all clear - a huge relief.
My scar is about 3cm long but seems to be fading (only had the op about a month and a half ago).
Hope all goes well.
Cheers!
Tracy
fibroadenoma - keep or lose? Hi! I have just joined the website so all this is a bit new to me! I was so interested in reading the postings from Missy, Lisa and Tracey about the removal of a benign fibroadenoma. I had a mammogram 6 months ago and they found a fibroadenoma in the left breast and a cyst in the right breast. They did the ultrasound scan, and the needle biopsy in the lump and, thank god, it came back with a benign result. I am now 6 months down the line and I hate having this lump inside me as there is a family history of breast cancer and it’s starting to cause me pain all the time. Most of my fears have been answered by the 3 ladies I mentioned but I was wondering how they were all doing now their lumps have been removed? If you have time Lisa, Missy or Tracey I would love to talk . I am more scared leaving this lump in that I am about having the op.
Take care all.
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
I am personally very pleased that I had my fibroadenoma removed, as I don’t think I would have had peace of mind if I could constantly feel the lump there.
As I said in my previous post, the op went well, and I had hardly no pain at all afterwards. How big is your fibroadenoma? Mine was quite small and easy to remove, which probably made things a bit easier.
After the op, once the stitches had dissolved and the wound had healed, I could feel a hard thickening below the scar. It almost felt like another lump. I have since found out this is normal, and the hardness has gradually disappeared. My scar is fading all the time.
All I can say is that it’s so nice not to feel that lump there all the time, as it really played on my mind. It is a decision entirely up to you, and the benign result means there is probably no reason to have to worry about the lump at all. If it is causing you pain, and you are constantly worrying about it, I would recommend that you go and see your consultant / doctor, and let him / her know your concerns. I know what you mean about being more scared of having the lump inside you than having the op. I couldn’t wait for my operation date, as I knew the lump would be gone for good!!
Hope this helps, and good luck. Let me know what happens.
Tracy
Fibroadenoma I have been very interested to read your experiences because my daughter who is 37 was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma in August. There was no suggestion to remove it, but yesterday I picked up a book by Ruth Picardie called Before I say Goodbye, she was diagnosed with a benign lump and two years later was found to have untreatable breast cancer. So I started worrying about my daughter. I had a mastectomy last year so I am very familiar with this website. I think you have made the right decision to have the fibroadenoma removed, and I think I shall persuade my daughter to get a second opinion.
Zsuzsanna
I had a fibroademous removed by lumpectomy in 2004 at my request. My consultant asked and I said wanted it removed… I was shocked that he booked me in for 2 weeks time! I assumed i’d have to wait months…
When I went in after wire placed for location, a nurse came to natter with me, I said i was feeling a bit daft having an op to remove a benign lump.
She said that I was doing the right thing in her eyes…
she had seen women come in with what looked benign only for it to be found to be cancerous once it was removed! I was really surprised, and thanked my lucky stars when it came back truly 100% benign 2 weeks after the op.
I’m not saying this is the case often… but if there is 1% chance that the lump is tricking everyone, I know i’d sooner have it removed.
It is interesting to read your posts. I had a mastectomy left side for widespread DCIS in 2004. I have probable fibroadenomas (quite a few lumps) in mty right side which I would prefer removed. Problem is they go up into my arm pit and the surgeon is not willing to remove them. He says it will cause more trouble than it is worth. Meaning I could get arm problems. So far I have gone with his decision but I have a nagging doubt in my mind whether he is right.
suex
Jacks, I can understand your concern, and anxiety. I’d be the same ((Hugs)).
I guess all you can do is trust your consultant. If mine had said it could cause arm probs, i’d have likely left well alone… Having said that… he knew my wishes if it was cancerous… But refused to take any consent from me before the op.
It’s hard to know what’s for the best isn’t it, but i assume you have regular screening after your mastectomy so fingers x’d if there was anything suspicious they’d pick it up early.
decision update Hi All,
Thanks Tracey for the reply, I really value your comments. Things have moved forward a bit since my last chat. I have been having really bad pain in the breast where the fibroadenoma is for the last 10 days and the pain has been up in the armpit as well. While I can’t feel the lump which is 1.4 cm and deep in the breast it is very uncomfortable to lie on my chest or on that side. Went to my GP yesterday and he wants me to see this Breast Cancer specialist as soon as poss. Forgot to mention that the breast has ‘dropped’ slightly. I am determined to stay philosophically positive until I see this chap. I can’t let myself get to low/worried about it as I have my hands/head full enough already. My husband has very bad bi-polar depression and I am more concerned about how he would handle any bad news. I haven’t told him of my return to the Dr as I don’t want to worry him at this stage. I know I can handle whatever the outcome is but he won’t be able to handle it at all. I’m actually more scared about his reaction than of having cancer. Bad news would tip my husband over the edge.
Anyway, there may be nothing to worry about in the end…but the lump is still coming out!
Take care everyone and look forward to chatting again soon.
Cathy
specialist or speed? Hi All,
I just got my appointment through for the above reason and I can’t see this specialist till mid January 2007!! In the real world I would rather see someone before then to get things done but, as I can’t afford private insurance then maybe this is what waiting lists are like at the moment. Another 3 months of wondering if things are ok…I don’t think so! Will ask GP to see someone else.
Mr Blair! If your wife had to see someone for possible breast cancer would you be happy to wait 3 months to find out?? Not your problem is it Tony as you can afford private health care! Wake up and smell the coffee Mr Blair and start thinking about the needs of the real people out there!!!
Sorry all! Had to get that off my chest! It just makes me so angry that people have to wait so long for something we all have a right to…quality of life!
I’m off my soapbox now!!
Take care everyone.
Cxx
thanks Tracy! Hi Tracy,
Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate your response. I am very new to this chat forum thing and I have posted a reply not realising I can click on the reply word in your posting!! Anyway, if you read my latest bits you will know where I am with everything. Bit worried about things especially husband as you will read.
Hope to speak to you again soon
Take Care and thanks again.
Cathy
Stay Strong Cathy Hi Cathy,
I am very glad that you made the decision to see your doctor again and that you have been referred to the breast clinic. I think you should definitely contact your GP again, and see if you can possibly get an sooner appointment. Is the appointment just to see the consultant, or to have the lump removed?? I must say, the waiting is probably the worst part of all! After my core biopsy, I also had a 3 month wait for an appointment to have the lump removed. The whole process from finding the lump to having it removed, and getting the benign results seemed to last an eternity.
I know it’s easier said than done, but try to stay positive until your appointment at the breast clinic. The fact that you have already had a benign result from your needle biopsy should put your mind at ease. Try to focus on that until you know for sure. I know it must be hard for you, and that you must be worried about your husband (typical of us women to worry about other people before ourselves!!). I am thinking of you, and wish I could give you some advice. All I can say is that these things seem to have a way of working themselves out, even when it is bad news.
Let me know if you contact your GP and if you are able to get a sooner appointment.
Chat soon!
Tracy
Moaning Minnie! Hi Tracy,
I have been reading postings from other women and I feel ashamed of myself for the way I have been thinking. There are so many women out there who would give anything to have a benign FNA and here I am moaning about the fact I may have to wait 3 months to see a Dr. I don’t usually moan about anything. I usually just get on and sort what ever needs to be sorted but I think this is playing on my mind because it’s been a pretty horrific rollercoaster of a ride the last couple of weeks with my husband and I just need to know what is going on inside this breast so I can sort it out and move on to the next thing. Also, it was the 10th anniversay of my mum’s death last week which hasn’t helped. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a radicaI mastectomy, chemo, rad etc. Up and down for 2 years then found a mole on her leg, Had that removed and it came back as malignant melanoma. She died 6 months later from a brain tumour.
Anyway, have decided to stop being a moaning minnie, stay positive and thank who/whatever is up there that I have started with the word benign on my file.
Thanks for letting me bend your ear!
Take Care All.
Cathy
Common sense has stepped in! Hi,
Have decided to be realistic! I am staying with the mid Jan appointment, that’s just to see the consultant no to get the lump removed, as there are many out there who need urgent appointments more than I do. I just went through a bit of a dip due to other things and had a bit of a panic but in the clear light of day, waiting 3 months to see this chap who, as I have read on the net, is one of the best chaps to see around here, it’s worth waiting till then. I am starting off with a very positive result so I’m saying to myself " get a grip Cathy, you are one of the lucky ones so stop focussing on it and get on with your life till mid Jan!"
I so wish all you other women out there the best and I am always here if anyone needs to talk, about anything.
Kindest Regards,
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
I can understand all the ups and downs about emotions.
I personally would try and get a quicker appointment. Do you have the consultant’s number? for his secretary? if not try the clinic and ask for it. Perhaps a call might do some good.
I’d be concerned about the pain and the ‘dropping’ you described.
I didn’t have pain with mine. But everyone can be different i know.
As you know… sometimes they are thought to be benign and then turn out malignant. You wouldn’t want to find out this was the case in 3 months time…
A mammogram or ultrasound if you are younger wouldn’t do any harm.
Yes there are more urgent cases out there… but till you know for sure 100% what yours is, i’d treat it sas urgent to you… as this is what it is.
If you don’t ask… you don’t get… as they say.
((Hugs))
Hi!
Thanks to you, and Tracy, for getting in touch - I really appreciate it.
Spoke to GP today with the hope of maybe getting the appointment moved forward a bit as the chap I am seeing is a personal friend of his! In a nutshell he made me feel like I was a bit of a panic merchant with a touch of hypochondria thrown in. “There is no way there is anything malignant and you had a mammogramm 6 months ago” I found myself retreating back into my shell as I pathetically said “That’s ok, I’ll wait. Thankyou”
It’s been a hard 24 hours as my husband had a bad manic depression episode last night and I am sitting here, teary, feeling very wrung out. I know I will bounce back tomorrow but when he has a session like last night I get a verbal hammering and feel emotionally drained the next day. Still, better than a physical hammering so I can deal with it. It’s not his fault .
Sorry, going now. Will try again with appointment change next week when I more up for a ‘fight’!
I’m fine.
Take Care all.
Cathy