Fibroadenoma removal help??

Hi Emily. In Sept I was also diagnosed with a fibroidenoma tumor and was told I could leave it in. After a few weeks I made the decision to have it removed because it just didn't belong there. When I had it removed the recovery from the surgery was not bad. Some discomfort for a couple days but not a lot of pain. I did receive a call from the breast surgeon a few days after who told me they had found dcis inside the fibroidenoma tumor. I have been told by 3 different surgeons that it is extremely rare for that to happen but I am thankful that I went with my gut instinct and had it removed. I hope this helps

I had my first fibroadenoma at 18, some 52 years ago. Back then they did no ultrasounds or mammos just removal. Never labeled high risk.At age 24 I found another lump but this time it right between my breasts . Also removed and diagnosed as fibroadenoma. If my daughter were to come to me and relate the scenario that you give I would urge her to have it removed, if only to have a definitive diagnosis.The surgery is generally day surgery and recovery is generally quick. Little pain, a couple of stitches.They can grow and become uncomfortable.

Barbara

Just remember to WRITE all your questions out as it is so easy to forget some of then once in the meeting and so frustrating to realise you forgot one later. It also makes it easier if you have someone else writing down answers or if Doctor agrees, to record the meeting on your phone. There are so many things going through your mind in appointments that it is very easy to forget a term or comment.

All the best

The Mods

Hi Em,

I had a fibroadenoma removed on Tuesday, and so far so good. I'm 47 so got the "at your age" reason for removal, as well as it being 4.3 cm. It was in the upper outer quadrant of my left breast. I was really nervous about the surgery, but so far everything has been fine. The worst problem has been that the wound is quite itchy since I took the dressings off this morning (as instructed - it seemed very soon to me, but I guess it gives everything a chance to breathe.) There was a lot of pain immediately after surgery while I was in the recovery room, but I was given morphine to sort that out, and I haven't taken anything stronger than over the counter pain killers since. I was surprised not to need pain killers at all most of the time - I just get an occasional twinge. I've slept in a really good sports bra which has helped, since the pain seems to be there more at night than in the day - I probably roll over in my sleep or move about oddly or something that wakes me up with a bit of pain.

The surgeon said that because the fibroadenoma was compressing other tissue, it would probably just all spring back into shape, and that seems to have happened. The cut isn't too obtrusive - she kept it inside the bra line so it won't show in a swimming costume or bra - and I guess the scar will fade with time.

I see the surgeon again in a couple of weeks to get the lab report, which I'm assuming will be fine. I'm so glad to be rid of it - it didn't hurt much, but I was always aware of it and not knowing for sure what it was stressed me out. I wish I'd known how simple the surgery is. Of course, there's still time for complications and infections, but I don't see why that would happen as it's a neat little wound and practically pain free!

All the very best with your op, if that's what you go ahead with. It's really not so bad!

Liz

Em,

I had a fibroadenoma 10 years ago, at age 25.  When I first noticed it, it was about the size of a pea.  Within 4 months, it had grown to the size of a pistachio still in its shell.  Mine was located on the underside of my left breast and was very close to the skin.  I made the decision to have it removed.  The procedure didn't take long and wasn't too painful.  The adenoma was down deeper than the doctor thought, so I did feel some discomfort as he was cutting and tugging, but he gave me another numbing shot and it quickly went away.

Recovery was fast, as I went back to work the next day and had no problems thereafter.  Although it was a benign adenoma, the doctor did tell me that because of how fast it was growing, he felt removing it was the best course of action.  Though not typical, adenomas can sometimes lead to cancer, so if yours is bothering you, removing is probably a good idea, as it will give you peace of mind that it's not in your body trying to cause more problems.  Of course, the decision is ultimately yours.  You know your body better than anyone else, and you know what you're comfortable with.  I wish you the best of luck and hope everything goes well for you.