Breast Fibroadenoma diagnosed after the age of 40

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debandjace1
debandjace1 Member Posts: 134
edited September 2017 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed with a benign fibroadenoma about 2 years ago at the age of 42 (I'm now 44). At that time, I was given the "wait and watch option" simply because I was told it was my choice to have it removed since it wasn't over a certain length. I was also told it's pretty uncommon to get a fibroadenoma after age 40. I have been very closely monitored since I've been about 35 years old - so it was a little alarming that this was discovered "later in the game" since I'm seen regularly for visits. There is always some change in the breast that is being discovered. The fibroadenoma does seem to have "grown" in size and it's terribly uncomfortable; I can feel it almost on the side of my chest and under my armpit area and it feels tender/fatigued at times, if that makes sense?. It's a pretty hard lump that I can feel in my breast. At this point in my life, I've decided to meet with a breast surgeon to inquire on removal. I'm just looking for feedback/opinions and I'm so unsure if it's necessary to put myself through all that when it's been biopsied previously and been diagnosed as benign.

Your help and input is greatly appreciated at this point. Thank you in advance.


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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited September 2017

    When they grow and get uncomfortable (and especially when you are at an age where you wouldn't want it to obscure or hide something more serious behind it) it is entirely reasonable to request that it be removed. It isn't like you are twenty and get one removed and might have another next month.

    That said, it also isn't all that unusual to get them later in life. I see it very frequently here.

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  • debandjace1
    debandjace1 Member Posts: 134
    edited September 2017

    Thank you. Good information. Do you have any experience/ideas on the removal process itself? I'm thinking it's a pretty common procedure (come and go procedure) but until I consult with surgeon (not until Oct. 10), I'm not too sure. As everyone says time and time again, waiting is the worst part!

    Since it's been diagnosed benign there would be no way that this comes back as cancer - I'm guessing. Sorry for all the questions. It's such a stressful time and feel so alone. Thank you for your time.


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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited September 2017

    My surgical biopsy was probably a little different, because I had to have a wire localization at the breast center, then had to go a short distance to a freestanding ambulatory surgical center, but I think we were still out of there by 1:00 or so. I think I took one pain pill, hen switched to Aleve for a day or two. I though it was easier than the core biopsy. I would think your odds of it not being benign are exceedingly low.

    Sometimes your hormones act up again when you start hitting perimenopausal state, which can last for years. Kinda like adolescence in reverse.

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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited September 2017

    I had a simple fibroadenoma removal and it was a very quick (40 minute) surgery that I recovered from easily. My post-op experience was like Melissa's. As for your comment that there is "no way" that it could come back as cancer, that's not entirely accurate, but it is HIGHLY unlikely to come back with cancer. Between .001 and .003% of diagnosed fibroadenomas contain cancer. (This is from multiple studies, I know because I studied the subject when I was one of the unlucky few.)

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  • debandjace1
    debandjace1 Member Posts: 134
    edited September 2017

    Well I feel a bit more at ease. Thank you ladies for the information.

    Heart

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