Multiple fibroadenomas in both breasts

Julie2039

I found a lump which was a fibroadenoma two and a half years ago. It was 3cm so was removed from right breast.  I am high risk breast cancer due to family history and am currently in the throes of genetic counselling with a view to testing. I also receive annual mammograms (age 41).  Since the first lump was found I have since found one in my left breast and two in my right. I have regular ultrasound scans which have revealed 8/9 fibros in my left along with cysts, none of which I can feel, and pre Xmas I found another lump in my right.  I am finding lumps around every three to four months and as a result am always at the hospital for scans, mammograms and family clinic counselling.  Whilst extremely grateful I am being closely monitored I am so depressed with it all and sick of the sight of the place 😟.  Every mammogram i have i have a referral for a new finding. My question is what do I do? My consultant isn't concerned and denies the fact I could be a higher cancer risk although I read it can increase if only slightly.  I try to read up on fibros but information is conflicting. The hospital are inclined to leave the lumps. The ones in my right are 1cm to 2cm at present although feel so much bigger and I don't want them there. Anyone out there any advice or experience. The thought of this ongoing and new lumps appearing in future years gets me down. Thanks x

SelenaWolf

My goodness, but you have busy breasts!

It's my understanding that fibroadenomas are benign and do not have the ability to become malignant. Unless you are experiencing discomfort from the fibroadenomas/cysts, the prevailing thinking seems to be leave them alone.

If you have genetic testing, you'll have a better idea about your personal level of risk for developing breast cancer and you'll be able to make a more informed decision about how you want to manage your breast health moving forward.

Hopefully you'll get some answers soon.

starbrightlyshines

Can you ask for an MRI? With you family history and your fibroadenoma a breast MRI is totally reasonable,  especially if youve been told you have dense breast tissue. If you have to be your own advocate, do it, and fight for it. An MRI is the only way you will know for sure. I was told 5 years ago I didnt meet the criteria for one. I had afibroadenoma which was removed,  I was told I had dense breasts with calcifications, but no family history and every mamogram was normal. I dont want to scare you but in the fall of 2012 I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, no primary tumor was ever detected. It had moved to my GI tract and ribs.I have been told this is very rare. But I sure wish I had pressed for that MRI back then. Dont be scared from my story , just be your own advocate. We have been trained not question our doctors and those who in authority. But if you dont stand up for yourself no one else will.

Julie2039

thanks for the replies. I may just do that. I sway from becoming complacent with oh its just amother fibro to feeling like a ticking time bomb waiting for the day my luck will change. Will see what my consultants appointment brings on Tuesday. 

MelissaDallas

Fibroadenomas are always benign and do not ever turn into anything else. The only way they can increase your risk is by obscuring things behind them on mammograms if they are large. If they are big enough to bother you and you are old enough to require annual mammograms it is reasonable to remove them, but the tradeoff is that surgery can cause scar tissue and fat necrosis that may look like cancer on mammograms and lead to callbacks and biopsies.

cp418

I'll throw out one other suggestion regarding fibrocystic breasts.  Have you considered seeing an endocrinologist?  There is lots of literature/research linking thyroid issues to this breast condition and maybe this might provide more information for your diagnosis/treatment plans. 

Julie2039

thanks cp418. Have just read up on it and it was very interesting. Will speak to my consultant x

Julie2039

just been to see consultant. New finding is another fibro thankfully. I have 3 substantial in each breast although measure up to 26mm each so no cause to remove. He rubbished my idea that thyroid could contribute to them appearing. I am going to write to clinic. Although they are harmless it is how it is affecting me and he didn't seem at all interested in that 

cp418

I'm sorry this consultant is not hearing your concerns.  In the Complementary Medicine forum (see below), there was a topic about iodine and breast issues.  It was locked  but you can read through the discussions.  Maybe do research on this condition and possibly meet with a nutritionist or naturalpath who may provide some dietary guidance.  DO NOTgo off and start taking supplements blindly - - do so with a medical professional guidance of someone who treats this condition.

This is my story. I had a large fibroadenoma removed age 19 - very commonly occurring in young women.  I continued to have very painful lumpy breasts into my 40's described as moderately dense.  Maybe too much info but I had LONG horrible periods with endometriosis symptoms and painful swollen breasts.  I simply used OTC meds for pain relief and lived with it.  Then at age 49 I was diagnosed with stage 2 IDC and still crazy periods.  So hormones and metabolism are involved and maybe there is a better way than how I dealt with it 30 years ago.  I've learned to be more proactive now and to ask questions.  If I feel a particular doctor is not helping me - there is always another to get a 2nd, 3rd opinion.  Good luck!