Hi. I have a multiple fibroadenoma on both breast but my biggest worry is the 7x4.4x5.7 cm lump in my right breast that I found last june 2018. It is hard, big and movable that gets really painful whenever my period is near. I had a ultrasound done and had a biopsy. The result of the biopsy says “Fibroepithelial Lesion Favor Fibroadenoma”. The doctor said its benign but they would need to do a biopsy again after they removed the lump to make sure. Im scheduled to have a surgery this november 26 and Im really worried about it bc I was told that my breast might have deformation and asymmetry after the operation. Although it is benign, im really worried about it and would feel better if there’s nothing like that in my body. Is there anyone who had a not exactly the same but similar case like mine? What did you do? And if you had it removed, what happened after the operation? Since the lump is still growing, I would choose a surgery but Im really reluctant for so many reasons. Im 22 , from the Philippines by the way and Im being treated in PGH. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Hi Jamie
I had a fibroadenoma removed decades ago, in the days when they didn’t deign to tell you the details. However my scar was about 11 cms wide, across my breast and below my nipple. The staples were removed about a week later and then it healed. Being breast muscle, it was very painful while healing but arnica tablets (I now know) can help prevent that. The scar healed to a silver line and was never any issue. Nor did it make a difference to my breast size, so I guess the lump had squashed existing tissue which sprang back into place? However, I appreciate it may well depend on the location of the lump. The problems I did have included some loss of nipple sensation and a numbness below the scar but I realise now that breast surgery can involve damage to nerves. I also experienced tenderness, usually linked to my menstrual cycle.
I’m assured my breast cancer had no association with that experience over 30 years earlier so don’t worry about that. I would always take the advice of the medical team personally - I was told they always removed such lumps so they could perform more detailed biopsies to be 100% certain. I think today, with the miracles they can achieve in reconstructive surgery for women who have partial mastectomies, perhaps it would be wise to raise your concerns with your surgeon about the asymmetry because they should be able to address that, if not at the time, then certainly later if it is a problem. All breasts vary but you don’t want to end up with an ugly breast or one noticeably smaller. Not having it removed when it’s still growing makes no sense because you’ll still end up with asymmetry when it outgrows the other breast!
I hope you manage to think it through and find the reassurance you need. Take care and try not to overthink yourself into greater anxiety x