Non-palpable mass; 35-year-old in early menopause

HelenM

Hi all,

I'm grateful for this wonderful community as I await some answers!

In response to a bilateral rash on my breasts that was not affected by prescription topical creams/steroids, my OBGYN ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I do have a paternal aunt with inflammatory breast cancer but everyone I've seen has said the rash does not look like IBC. While the mammogram was unremarkable, the ultrasound found a 12mm mass in my right breast consistently with a possible fibroadenoma. It is non-palpable and I have a biopsy next Thursday. My BI-RADS score is 4a.

I've been reading that fibroadenomas are common in younger women (under 30) and far less common in older women and women who are pre-, peri-, or post-menopausal. While I am 35, I am going through menopause now as a result of a diagnosis of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Given this, I would imagine that my "young" age does not necessarily correlate with the likelihood that the mass is a fibroadenoma for a 35-year-old not going through menopause.

Might anyone have any thoughts here? Thanks!

Salamandra

I'm no expert in fibroadenomas, but I know that even if they are less likely in older women, they can and do still happen. I'll also say that 4A is the lowest possible rating for a scan that will still get insurance to pay for a biopsy. My (non-expert) interpretation of 4A is the doctor thinking that it doesn't look or seem like cancer, but better to rule it out just in case.

A callback for a biopsy is always going to be scary, but 4A is about as promising as it gets. I hope you get good news soon!

HelenM

Thank you for your response! Im from Brooklyn as well! I’m remaining hopeful. I’ve had so many health issues over the past year I’m just plain exhausted.

Moderators

We're so sorry you find yourself here with this worry, HelenM, but we hope you get good news soon! Please keep us posted!