Afraid and confused - Granular Cell Tumor

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MrsHunte
MrsHunte Member Posts: 3
edited October 2017 in Benign Breast Conditions

After a month of stress, mammograms, ultrasounds and a biopsy I was diagnosed with a 3.5 cm granular cell tumor. It's on the side of my left breasts near my bra strap line. BI RAD 4 but the biopsy came back benign. I thought I was done but because this type of breast tumor is so rare, they do not feel comfortable leaving it there. I agreed and have a surgery consult on the 14th.

Additionally, since the biopsy about 6 weeks ago, it feels like the lump has grown and gotten harder. It feels like a hard, sharp stone digging into me whenever pressure is placed on the area even when I'm gently washing!

My fear is that it has indeed attached to my chest wall/muscle. I'm sure the surgeon will have more answers for me but in the meantime I'm still silently freaking out! They keep telling me it's so rare that not enough studies have been done for them to send me on my way but that the available information says my bc chances aren't increased. I'm thankful to have amazing doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Columbia Presbyterian but I'm afraid of what they might find.

I don't have cancer as far as I know now but I'm dealing with oncologists and surgeons and lumpectomy talk and looking through my tests results and mail from MSK and it's scaring me. I should just be thankful that it's benign but I'm afraid of the unknown

Also, I'm a 32J and was hoping to have a reduction this year but I don't even know what my breast will look like after. Is an oncoplastic reduction possible?

So many questions and worries.

Thank you all for letting me vent.


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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited September 2017

    MrsHunte, so sorry that you're having an excisional biopsy, even though your biopsy 6 weeks ago showed a benign tumor! From what I could find, those types of tumors can form lumps that are fixed in place, but it is also possible that the change since the biopsy is a result of a hematoma forming (pretty common). That could increase the size and feel of the lump.

    https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions/granular-cell-tumors-of-the-breast.html

    You may not get many responses here as granular cell tumors in the breast are so very rare. Sending you warm wishes and gentle ((hugs))

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  • MrsHunte
    MrsHunte Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2017

    Thank you so much for your response. It feels good to be able to vent without being judged. People tend to give off the "they said it's benign so what's your problem" type of vibe. Smh

    Well wishes and hugs are greatly appreciated!

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  • MrsHunte
    MrsHunte Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2017

    Met with the surgeon last week and scheduled surgery for 9/29. His team was definitely in agreement that the tumor must be removed. His opinion is that the tumor would continue to grow unless its removed. His assistant (Fellow) seemed much more concerned while Dr. Taback was more direct and spoke as if it was a fairly routine surgery. I suppose I should feel better, less afraid of the unknown, but something in me just won't let it go. I'm afraid to feel like "I'm in the clear" because I don't want to be completely caught off guard with something going wrong.

    But, I am not letting it consume me. Staying positive and hoping that this is just a bump in the road

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  • Teena200
    Teena200 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2017

    Hi I just wanted to weigh in. I hope all is well with you. I do know a bit about granular cell tumors. My daughter had them when she was 7 and 8 years old. They were removed twice. They like to grow in fatty tissue. They are usually benign and are not a type of breast cancer necessarily. They just like that type of tissue. They are rare. So it is interesting to come across someone else with them. I hope they got them out and all is a success!


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