GP says it's probably fibroadenoma but waiting to have tests

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Musichetta
Musichetta Member Posts: 3
edited March 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hey, everyone.

So, I'm 23, with no previous family history of breast cancer/breast issues (at least on my mum's side, no idea about dad's. Asking him isn't really an option, and wouldn't help right now anyway). I was doing a self checkup on my boobs and found a small lump in the left one, which scared me senseless. Went to the doctor the following day, she did a checkup and said it was probably a fibroadenoma since she could feel it moving around, rather than it being 'rooted' to one place, but she could tell I was really worried, so referred me for an appointment at the breast clinic.

At the time, knowing it was probably a fibroadenoma was a huge relief to me and I went away feeling reassured, but over the past few days the worries have started creeping back, mainly because my left breast has started feeling tender, and I've been getting the odd twinge there as well. It isn't localised (i.e. where the lump is), but it's a general feeling of tenderness throughout the whole breast, and the twinges will occur in any area of that breast. My right breast feels as normal as it always has, no tenderness at all.

My mum suggested the twinges/tenderness might be because of my period - because she'd get sore boobs when she had hers - but I'm not having my period at the moment, and I've never previously had breast tenderness before/during my periods either. I did get the contraceptive implant, Nexplanon, inserted last December and had my last period in early January (not pregnant, just a side effect). The implant hasn't caused me any problems that I know of, but I'm just wondering if this could account for different experiences around the time my period would normally be? As in February (around what would've been my period), I did have a much higher increase in vaginal discharge than I've ever had before (no breast tenderness, though). Or maybe that the hormones released in my body might be affecting the possible fibroadenoma/whatever it is and making that boob tender...?

Argh, I don't know. I don't know anything! I know the above paragraph is also just useless speculation that isn't really helping me right now, but my brain's going around in worry circles, alternating between 'what if?' and trying to reassure itself. I'm trying not to think about it too much, but it's hard not to when you're at home most of the time (mix of trying to make it self-employed/applying for jobs).

At the very least I've got an appointment at the breast clinic scheduled for this Friday, hopefully they'll give me an ultrasound or something so I can at least have more concrete results. I know there's nothing I can really do until then, but I'm worried and guess I needed to vent these feelings out somewhere. Writing this stuff out helps, rather than just letting it fester in my brain.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited March 2018

    Musichetta

    Everyone has had a similar experience.

    Here is a link that might be a good place to start while you are waiting:

    Breast Lumps

    Here is an excerpt from the article:

    "Although breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women, most breast lumps are not cancer. In fact, more than 80 percent of them end up being benign."

    At your age lumps are considered innocent until proven guilty. Let us know what the ultrasound shows.

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  • grl06c
    grl06c Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2018

    Hi Musichetta! Welcome and I am so sorry you are going through this stressful time. I am also relatively new to the forum. First, I want to remind you of your age and how that is possibly a protective factor for you, as well as your family history. I know it is hard to focus on the positives right now, and I, in no way, want to invalidate your fear!

    I am going through a similar situation (in some ways)! 6 months ago, I went to my gyno because I found a lump. I am also relatively young (29 at the time). My ARNP told me it didn't feel scary because it moved easily under my skin, but could tell I was terrified. It feels like a hard marble that easily rolls around. My mother got breast cancer at 47, and then colon cancer at 50, so cancer is something very real to me. She sent me for an ultrasound and 3d mammo and they were not able to see it. However I have extremely dense breasts, as most young women do, which makes things hard to see/ show up on both the Mammo and ultrasound. So they told me to come back in 6 months due to the lump being palpable, my family history, and my dense breasts. Fast forward 6 months...and here we are (I am now 30). I went in for the check up and this time they could see the lump on both mammo and ultrasound and agreed to do a biopsy, which is the only for sure way to figure out what it is. I think for me, getting it biopsied is the only real way to relieve my anxiety. Because I always have those "what if" moments. So I am also in that waiting limbo at the moment. I am having a lumpectomy on March 23rd to remove the lump, because to be honest I want it out of my body. In your case you are younger and have less of a family history. So if they can see the lump on the ultrasound and are able to clearly see it's features and say it is nothing, then I think I would feel great about that! If you find yourself worried still or they are unable to clearly see it on the Ultrasound or mammo, maybe ask for an MRI just to make yourself feel better? The most important thing is peace of mind and pushing for what you want! I wish you all the luck in the world! ::hugs::

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  • Musichetta
    Musichetta Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2018

    Thanks for the link, djmammo, reading this helped a little bit.

    Hi, grl06c. Thanks for the understanding response. I know that logically it's statistically unlikely this is anything to worry about it, but I'm a bit of a worrier by nature (especially about health issues), and sometimes it's hard to keep that in mind. I'm sorry you're having to go through a similar situation, too, having to wonder and worry about that for so long must've been awful. But I hope your biopsy and lumpectomy go well, and hopefully it'll turn out to be harmless. And thanks for the tip about that MRI! I'd forgotten that was also an option. If the ultrasound doesn't seem very clear, I'll try and push for it if I still feel unsure. Thank you :) And all the best to you.

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  • Musichetta
    Musichetta Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2018

    Hey, everyone. So I had my appointment at the breast clinic this Friday and the doctor gave me a physical checkup, said the same thing as my GP that it was probably a fibroadenoma or a benign cyst, but they weren't able to do the ultrasound that day, so I'd have to wait for the appointment date at the post. Will let you know how that goes *fingers crossed*

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited March 2018

    One down, one to go. The waiting game. We have all been there and done that. It sounds like your doctor is being responsive to your concerns, so that's a good thing. As you may already know, the risk for breast cancer in a 23 yr old is extremely low, so the odds that this is benign is extremely high, around 98%. Not that it can't happen, it can, but is terribly unlikely.


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