Fibroadenoma- surgery or just biopsy?

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rachelg03
rachelg03 Member Posts: 2
edited June 2015 in Benign Breast Conditions


Hello everyone! I am 20 years old and found a mass in my right breast a couple of months ago and after a scare of thinking I felt a new one, I decided to go and get it looked at the other day. My doctor referred me to get a breast ultrasound and they told me it was a benign fibroadenoma. I found out my grandma has had several and the radiologist recommended getting it removed so I don't have to worry about it. I'm leaning towards definetly getting a biopsy but after doing an internet search, I was wondering some of the pro's and con's of getting the benign tumor removed or keeping it in and monitoring it closely. Is it true it will become cancerous if I leave it in? Also, what is the cost to get it removed/biopsied as my family and I have Blue Cross Blue Shield but it isn't the most reliable insurance. You are all strong and inspiring men and women and I would be honored to receive any form of advice!

 

Also just a random side question, what effect does hormonal birth control have on a fibroadenoma? I am not currently on any form of birth control or hormonal regulation but it is something I have been considering as I have noticed my cramps have been getting progressively worse.

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  • wyattsmama
    wyattsmama Member Posts: 5
    edited June 2015

    Following! I just recently had my fibroadenoma biopsied and would like to know the benefits of having it surgically removed and the chances it could still potentially turn into cancer.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited June 2015

    Unless they are so big they bother you the recommendation is usually just to leave them alone. You could get it cut out and develop another next month when you're 20. Surgeries create scarring in your breast that makes future imaging hard to read and can lead to more biopsies. If you still have a sizeable one when you are 50 or so and they could hide a cancer behind them sometimes it is recommended to remove them then. Fibroadenomas are benign and stay benign. They don't turn into cancer

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  • Gina72
    Gina72 Member Posts: 26
    edited June 2015

    Post above is correct. I didn't get my first FA until age 41 and diagnosed with another one this April at 43. They are common in your 20's and even 30's. I pondered getting my first one removed 2 years ago but with close watch it's stayed stable so I've left it alone and sure enough a new one popped up this year. Now since I have 2 and each is over 1cm and sitting right next to each other I will be keeping a closer watch on them, mainly because of my age and having several other benign conditions. Just keep watch on your's for any changes in shape or feel and if so get it looked at again. If it stays stable it shouldn't cause any problem.

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  • rachelg03
    rachelg03 Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2015

    Thank you for all of your help, to everyone! I just had saw someone on a random thread said they left it in and it turned into cancer so it's comforting to know that what's benign will stay benign.

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