Fibroadenoma at age 52

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Valeriejean
Valeriejean Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)


i was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma last December and it freaked me out! Especially after reading that this is usually something that occurs in women of 20-30 years of age. I was sent from mammogram to US where they confirmed what it was and put me on the "watch and wait" program! I don't sit and worry about it daily but in the back of my mind, i think it should be removed. Anyone else out there in their 50's developed one and what was your course of action?

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited October 2013


    I am not a watch and wait person so likely I would do a second opinion.


    Good luck

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  • CTMOM1234
    CTMOM1234 Member Posts: 633
    edited October 2013


    I was 43, so a teeny bit younger than 50, but still considered "old" for a fibroadenoma. Although initially concerned because I had never heard of such a thing, once the ultrasound revealed the oval shape and mobility characteristics of a fibroadenoma, which I also learned is a perfectly benign thing, I was comfortable with the 6-month follow-up ultrasound recommendation. After a couple of 6 month follow-ups, I was moved to annual ultrasounds done at the same appointment with my mammography.


    That was nearly 6 years ago, and I'm really happy I just left it alone, or as one doctor said, "Don't go looking for trouble." I'm still premenopausal, and it's actually gotten a little smaller and may stay that way or get smaller after menopause.


    But I've read a number of posts in which women just knew they couldn't sleep well until they were removed -- that is definitely not me, but I was very comfortable with my ultrasound diagnosis and minimizing medical intervention. May you have good inner peace, whatever you decide.

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited October 2013


    I had a fibroadenoma in my early 30's, which I left alone, although it actually led me to Susan Love, MD, who followed me due to "lumpy" breasts, etc. until she moved across country. I didn't have one in my 40's or 50's, just other stuff.


    I have had lots of excisional biopsies and surgeries. It's a tough call, but just know that each time they do another biopsy, there is scar tissue formed, which potentially makes it difficult for imaging in that area.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited October 2013


    Have you previously had a diagnosis of DCIS?


    If so, then definitely "watch and wait" would not be advisable.

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited October 2013


    I had a fibroadenoma at age 52. It was biopsied and removed and confirmed to be a fibroadenoma.

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited October 2013


    I'd agree with Beesie, if you have a history of DCIS, bc or atypia, you should go for a biopsy. You didn't indicate that, but posted on the DCIS thread.

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  • Timbuktu
    Timbuktu Member Posts: 1,906
    edited October 2013


    Have you lost weight recently? I lost about 40 pounds 3 years ago and that's when the fibroadenoma showed up. It actually had been there all along. We got past mammos and the size and shape had not changed but the radiologist had not seen it! Something to think about!


    The real problem was that when I developed cancer in the other breast it was the same size and shape and a mirror image. I got confused and thought it was the fibroadenoma! So for 6 months I did nothing, When I went for my check up, she told me that the fibroadenoma was in the other breast, this was new.


    It's important to remember where it is!

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  • Valeriejean
    Valeriejean Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2013


    No, i have no history of BC other than my paternal grandmother. Not sure how i got my post on this area of the board! Reassuring to hear that others my age have had these and left them alone. I have never had surgery in my life so not something I would be insisting on unless I thought my age indicated this fibroadenoma was going to block a cancer from being visible on a mammogram. I have not hit menopause yet so i am wondering if i have wacky hormones that created this? I do notice a lot of aching in my breasts and especially the one with the lump which is probably related to time of month and diet. Thanks fior all of your posts!

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2013


    Valeriejean, perimenopausal hormonal changes absolutely do kick stuff up sometimes.

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  • Kprince
    Kprince Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2013


    Valeriejean, I am in your exact situation---52 years old, menopause no where in sight and was just diagnosed with a fibroadenoma. I had my yearly mammogram---came back normal in Sept. went to my gynecologist for my yearly checkup a week later (I always like him to have the results before my appt), and he felt "nodularity" and sent me for an ultrasound. The radiologist is pretty certain after the ultrasound that it is a fibro and recommended a 6 month revisit. I have lost about 30 pounds since my last mammo, so I do feel it has been there a while. My breasts have always felt lumpy on the outside. I have chosen to go to a breast specialist (will see him next week) and get his opinion. I am hoping for a biopsy to put my mind at ease---if that confirms fibro, then I would be tempted to leave it as menopause can't be far down the road! Will see what the specialist says Monday. Please let me kow if you have heard anything since your post.

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