Have you had a Benign Mass Removed?

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  • Daisey4522
    Daisey4522 Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2015

    Thank you!

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  • Fakeboobs123
    Fakeboobs123 Member Posts: 92
    edited April 2015

    I recommend against implants, I've had them since 2003, two different sets at 32 yrs old, you have to replace them about every ten years ($$$) and most importantly they make Breast screening difficult, also if you have a mass like I do near the implant it's difficult to get a biopsy done. I loved the look of them but now I'm waiting for a biopsy result I regret getting them and wish I'd so only had an uplift without implants. Fat transfer is also a way to augment breasts these days. With implants things can be obscured on ultrasound and you have to have a combo of ultra and MRI, neither one screening method is fool proof though MRI is pretty sensitive. I say give yourself peace of mind and go for fat transfer if possible.

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  • rleepac
    rleepac Member Posts: 755
    edited April 2015

    I had a 5cm benign fibroadenoma removed at age 16. Breast tissue just filled in because I wasn't done growing.

    Sorry that's probably not very helpful as far as surgery but the benign mass was in the left breast and my cancer (27 years later) is in my right breast - I just thought you might find that reassuring?

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  • Daisey4522
    Daisey4522 Member Posts: 88
    edited April 2015

    Hello "Fakeboobs123" and "rleepac". Thanks for your responses! I actually had the surgery in January and my size ended up staying the same even though I had a 5.6 cm & 4.6 cm! I updated the thread a while ago, but I think it must have gotten lost in all of the responses. In case you are interested I pasted my update below:

    I wanted to update this discussion thread (and my other threads) in case it helps someone, because I know reading others' experiences really helped me.

    I ended up seeing the top surgeon for a second opinion in December. WOW! That was the best decision I ever made! My biggest advice to anyone out there is be your own advocate and do your research! I always look at reviews before making any decision, whether it is to go to a restaurant or buy a particular item, so why not do this with the most important thing, your health?

    This breast surgeon looked closely at my mammogram and sonogram images and said that he did not believe it was one 8 cm mass, but that it was actually 2 masses (granted, they are still large) but he thought he could take less mass from my breast. The first breast surgeon and 2 reconstruction surgeons all told me that I would lose 2+ cup sizes or about 40% of my breast after they removed the mass(es)! This surgeon told me that since I was young, he thought I would heal well. He said with his experience what happens is he removes the mass(es), it fill with fluid and then turns into scar tissue so I should look the same. I was very skeptical because the mass(es) were so large that I could easily feel them, right near the surface of my skin, and this completely went against what the other surgeons said. I knew he was a top surgeon and had many years of experience so I decided to trust him. He said if I was not happy after the surgery we could involve the reconstruction surgeon at that point, and that insurance WOULDpay for it without a problem, unlike what the first inexperienced reconstruction surgeon told me. I also saw a second reconstruction surgeon (before seeing this breast surgeon) and he also said that insurance WOULD pay for reconstruction!

    I had the surgery a week ago and everything turned out great! I was completely shocked that I look exactly the same as I did before the surgery! This surgeon was right, it was actually 2 large masses, not one. The incision was made around the top of my areola and is about 1.5 inches. I think because of the location of the incision, you will not be able to notice much if any scaring. They just used surgical glue (no stitches) and everything looks great.

    I have some swelling, bruising, and pain, but I expected this all and I honestly don't feel any worse than I did when I got the Stereotactic biopsy. My right nipple has been slightly inverted/retracted for the past few years but since the surgery it has become very inverted. It may be due to swelling and could resolve on it's own. I have a follow up appointment in another week.

    Also, I got the final pathology results today and both masses are benign (Nodular Adenosis). What a relief!

    I have one more piece of advice that may help someone. If you are getting a biopsy or a breast surgery where they ask you to wear a tight fitted bra, sports bra, or ace bandage after the surgery, I found a bra that works so well! It really helped keep my pain down by applying the right amount of pressure. It's called "Knockout by victoria's secret front-close sports bra". It has a double closure in the front. It would be so difficult to slide a tight sports bra over your head right after a biopsy or surgery, and a back closure bra would also be more difficult that is why I was so happy when I found this front closure sports bra. The first closure is like a regular bra that snaps in the front, then another layer zips in the front over it. They also sell one that has only the zip layer, but I found that it was harder to hold the fabric together to zip without having the inside layer option.

    Good luck to you all! This place has been a really great support for me and I hope it is for you too no matter what the outcome of your test results, surgery, etc… that have something for everyone here and I'm really appreciative.

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