53 years old and just got a fibroadenoma

Suefy

Hello, so pleased to have found this site.

I have just been told I have a small fibroadenoma but that it is nothing to worry about and that I do not need to attend the clinic again unless it gets bigger. It is a bit uncomfortable, it was that discomfort that took me to my doctors.

While I am very relieved it is benign, I am worried because it is very unusual in someone of my age (why would I suddenly get this, now) and increases the risk of developing cancer.

Is there anyone here who is of my age who is in the same boat?

Any advice would be welcome. Thanks for reading.

Moderators

Hi Sue and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

We're sure you'll meet many others who are dealing with fibroadenomas and other benign conditions soon. Our community is made up of some wonderful, supportive members!

Please continue to post to let us know how you're doing.

--The Mods

MelissaDallas

From what I've seen it isn't that uncommon when you are going through hormonal fluctuations related to perimenopause or menopause. There have been quite a few women in the same situation and asking that same questions in the "not diagnosed" forum over the last several years. I had my first (at least known to me) cyst at 52.

Suefy

Thanks Melissa. I am going through hormone changes/menopause so you are probably right about hormones. I'm just a bit panicked because this is new to me.

MelissaDallas

I know, I did it too. It's kind of like puberty in reverse, isn't it?

Jo_in_California

Suefy, fibroadenomas are usually nothing to worry about. I had my first one when I was 34 years old and pregnant with my second child. The biopsy came back as being questionable, so they did an excisional biopsy which turned out to be a benign fibroadenoma.

Since then, I've had one other that was confirmed via biopsy, and another that looks like a fibro., but they missed it when they were trying to biopsy it (twice). That was 5 years ago. In the meantime, another three have been visualized (likely fibroadenomas) by MRI.

While I'm not overly worried about having cancer at this point (fingers crossed), I am definitely looking into getting a prophylactic mastectomy because having ~7 fibroadenomas, with six in one breast, is considered to be a risk factor. I also have a strong family history on my mother's side, and my paternal aunt also had BC.

You shouldn't worry about this particular lump, but do keep up with your regular exams and mammograms just to keep an eye on it.

Best wishes to you!

Jo

GG31

Hi there,

I was diagnosed with a rather large (approx. 2.5 cm) fibroadenoma a year ago, went for 6 month routine US's and now a year and half later, at 47, during my recent US the lump had grown to approx. 3.2 cm. Surgery is booked for September 8th, I really just want it out as I am concerned it is actually a phyllodes tumor. If you experience growth I would certainly talk to your surgeon about having it removed.

Good luck

Sons3

I was 57 when diagnosed with a fibroadenoma, March 2015. Mammograms on yearly basis until " I got too busy" and missed a year, were all clear. The fibroadenoma was identified on screening mammogram as architectural distortion, birad 4B, non-palpable and not seen on u/s. Had stereotactic guided biopsy to determine fibroadenoma. Had 6 mo check yesterday and all is stable. Fibroadenoma is still present, no bigger and no smaller. Will continue w 6 month surveillance. Although unusual to develop a fibroadenoma after menopause without estrogen therapies, it does happen. Breast center specialist state they are unclear as to why these will develop in women such as myself, but believe it may be part of the aging process . Although anxiety is certainly increased I am thankful it is benign and feel the frequent checks will help me should any malignancy appear be diagnosed and receive treatment early.

Celia21

Sons3, I have very dense breasts and recently had US due to itchy Right breast, scanty discharge from nipple and bilateral almost constant breast pain. Mammo was neg, so US ordered. It showed "simple 5mm cyst on Left breast and 2 nodules deep in R breast that they categorized as "probable complicated cysts or fibeoadenoma". Radiologist recommended 6 month US Right breast. I obtained report myself from facility since surgeon who ordered US has not called me back after repeated calls to her office to discuss results.

I am post menopausal, 63 yrs old, family history of breast cancer 2 aunts father's side, sister with ovarian cancer, in remission. Wondering if I should have further testing on these 2 nodules to confirm diagnosis or wait 6 months since they are very small, 4x3mm, and 6x3 mm but deep in breast tissue. These are in the itchy breast with the occasional scanty drainage.

Any feedback would be appreciated