Fibroadenoma deciding to grow?!?!

little update: I have an ultrasound and possible pathology scheduled for next week. I am actually a Catholic nun and wear a veil, and was feeling a little awkward about having my breasts examined. The doc (whom I met for the first time that day) was absolutely stellar. At the end of the day, I'm a woman and I have breasts!

I've been getting pain on the side of my breast where the lump is, and under my armpit, especially when I move around. The lump itself is tender especially when touched. I'm not sure if this is just due to my cycle (I sometimes get breast tenderness before a period, but not like this) or a pulled muscle...for me it seems connected, but I could be reading too much into it. At any rate I'll soon have answers!

And for what it's worth, I pray for all here!

Thank you so much! I am praying for you, especially after reading your bio.

I think the biggest worry or cause for concern for me is that this lump has not changed (at least, not so significantly that I could feel) since I first discovered it. It's almost doubled in size (according to my self-exam). Maybe I've just become really hormonal and things are growing. The doc wasn't sure if it was a fibroadenoma - she said a cyst could have started to grow, or it could be another kind of tumour...anyway, I am looking forward to having an answer, whatever it might be! The sister in charge of our convent is very supportive of me, and I feel really blessed by that.

My family has a history of cancer, not breast though - two of my mother's sisters passed away in their 30s from cancer, one had a cancer scare a while ago, and my mother has very dense breasts so has regular checks. We've always talked about checking yourself and taking care of your breasts.

US results in. I have 13 fibroadenomas and a cyst. Funnily enough, the new growths aren't a problem. My 7yo fibro has grown and was reported with poorly defined borders, peripheral vascularity and lobulated margins. The radiologist suggested a biopsy and a follow up US in a few months.

You know, I didn't actually expect there to be such an issue... I'm a pretty relaxed person and am not one to get very anxious about health issues, as I've had them all my life, but this is admittedly making me a bit nervous. Last scan they just reported a fibroadenoma, nothing about borders or vascular stuff. I'm resolved, though, not to worry until there's something to worry about...because hey, that could give me an ulcer and it's already a raging party of growths in my body!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers and for sharing your story. I can really understand you - you hear that something is benign and just get on with your life as normal! I've always heard that fibroadenomas can't (or very rarely) become cancerous, but I really do want to be sure about this one.

My last US was three years ago, so I don't exactly know when the fibro started to change. This year has been the biggest change as I've noticed a new lump growing so close to the old lump it really does feel like it's growing from it. This new lump has grown quickly and is visible through the skin, and if the two fibroadenomas are measured together the whole thing would be 6cm.

So many things are happening in my life right now - this, possible new job (interview next week) and preparing for vows with my order. My superior told me that this health problem will not prevent me from making my profession of vows, which I was really happy about! I am going to the doctor today and I will ask her for the biopsy. Honestly, thinking about having a biopsy does make me a bit nervous, but the radiologist did recommend it and I do really want to know if it is OK.

For a week or so I've been getting intermittent pain on the side of my breast where the lump is, extending up to my armpit. At first I thought I had pulled a muscle or my cycle was causing it, but now I'm not so sure. Sometimes my breast feels hot too, but that could be because I'm warm! I'm really trying not to worry and to just be normal, have fun, keep exercising, etc.

Day after biopsy. I have (finallly) showered and removed my dressing. There was still some blood coming from the wound but it stopped after I showered. My breast is very tender and it was hard for me to get comfortable in bed, though I was thankfully able to sleep early as I was tired. I'm expecting some decent bruising considering the blood loss I had during procedure and my fair skin!

Thank you! It can be a stressful time, but try to stay positive and do good things for you. I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing how your appointment goes, if you choose to share!

Results in.

Good news: Biopsy says it's not malignant.

Not so good news: Dr doesn't know what it is.

All the findings suggest fibroadenoma, but she told me she still isn't satisfied. She said that biopsy only samples one part of the lump, and my lump does not look normal. The biopsy report suggests clinical follow-up. Plus, my breasts are full of lumps. She's referred me to a specialist and said if I can't see them within a month she will call and arrange an earlier appointment. She's really taking it seriously which I'm glad about...but at the same time her seriousness does make me wonder.

It says: fibroepithelial lesion, ducts on a fibromyxoid stroma. No significant increase on stromal cellularity. No stromal atypia, mitosis, overgrowth or heterologous elements. Overall the features favour a fibroadenoma. There is no evidence of in-situ or invasive malignancy. Clinical follow-up is suggested. Further investigation may be warranted.

I think my doctor's main concern is that it has changed since the last scan (shape and vascularity increase) and that I have multiple growths, several new ones. I'll see what the specialist has to say about it all.

I have a specialist's appointment booked on Friday 2nd Nov. I'm thrilled they could see me that soon (wasn't expecting it really)! At the same time, though, waiting again...!