Question on fibroadenoma

Lalram

Hi all,

I am new to the group. I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma of ~3cm back in Nov last year. I was advised for a biopsy because the lump looked a little suspicious and was not a perfect oval shape. The biopsy results showed a benign fibroadenoma. The lump is not visible outside and is in the 8'0clock position. The lump causes pain intermittently and is very painful during ovulation or before menstrual cycles. I had another ultrasound after 6 months and the size hasn't changed. I am planning to get pregnant, maybe next year and wondering if the fibroadenoma will be a major hindrance and will cause excess pain. Would you recommend a surgery to remove it before planning for pregnancy? How much can the fibroadenoma increase in size during pregnancy? Is there a chance where if I just leave the lump with no surgery, there is a possibility of another lump to come beneath this one and make it harder to find? Please provide guidance.

LMoon

Hey I see that this is an older post, but just in case you're still seeking info I figured I'd share my experiences with you.

I've had many fibroadenomas in both breasts for about 10 years (since I was 16). When I was 20 I had 3 removed because they were extremely uncomfortable and one was suspicious. Biopsy came back as normal fibroadenomas. I was treated with Tamoxifen to subdue the growth of the fibroadenomas. Admittedly, that was pretty aggressive for a benign condition but at the time I was in so much pain and my breasts looked terrible (you could see lumps, including one purple/blue lump sticking out of the side of my left breast and next to my right nipple). The Tamoxifen helped a lot, and I stopped taking it after only a few months.

I've continued to have some pain, but nothing as bad as when I was younger. I get random sharp/stabbing pains and pain with certain bras, but nothing too extreme.

Anyway, I got pregnant when I was 24. My breasts were tender during pregnancy but I noticed no major difference in relation to the fibroadenomas. Breast feeding was a little tricky because it was tough to tell if I had a clogged duct or if it was just a fibro. I go in every 6-12 months for an US just to keep track of everything, and they were unable to get a good view of my existing fibros but they did discover new ones and some growth postpartum. 6 months after stopping BF I went back and they noted some changes. In my case, they found a very suspicious growth that requires a biopsy. I do not think that is normal, though. It's just my luck

For many of your questions you'll want to consult a doctor. I remember being told that if you have a fibro removed it may just grow back. That didn't happen to me, but I've had more pop up in other areas over time. In my case, fibroadenomas had very little impact on my pregnancy (and visa versa) so I wouldn't be too concerned about planning pregnancy around it. HOWEVER, be sure to keep getting monitored! Go in for your ultrasounds. I slacked on it because I had so many other things going on, and perhaps if I didn't I would be in a less scary situation than I am in now. Go at least every 6 months so that they have records of any changes. Go before and after pregnancy and during/after BF (if you BF).

Best of luck on your pregnancy journey!