I’m back- the fast growing fibroadenoma :( advice!?

Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited February 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried
I’m back- the fast growing fibroadenoma :( advice!?
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  • Mamainsmalltownusa
    Mamainsmalltownusa Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2019

    Hello again! I posted here a couple months ago after my first mammo showed calcifications on left and fibroadenoma on right. Breast imaging center recc 6 month follow up and were confident it was a fibro. I sought out a second opinion at Emory since I have significant family history of bc and ovarian cancers. They agreed. I felt confident all was well—I was going to have an MRI in March, keep the mammo 6 month follow up, and have genetic testing. But, this fibro has grown and now the skin above it is red. I can actually see the lump now through my skin. I would say it's nearly doubled in size within just under two months(based onfeeling it). I have an appointment with my OB this week. What should I do? What should I ask for? I want it out to be honest. I'm worried it's a phylloid. From what I read, imaging and core biopsy can't always tell the difference. My Ob is great- I want to be prepared- what is the best course of action here? What should we do? It's not normal for a fibro to grow that much, that fast is it? Thx!

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited February 2019

    Mamainsmalltownusa

    The purpose of the short term follow up imaging of suspected FA's is to monitor for growth. If it enlarges during the monitoring period, it is removed. This is standard of care for this entity.

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  • Mamainsmalltownusa
    Mamainsmalltownusa Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2019

    So likely he will refer me back to imagining center to measure and then surgery to remove, followed by pathology, right? Is it safe to assume that, with removal and pathology,I am safe to do it in my small town? That seems pretty straughtforward right? I really hesitate wasting any time startingvthe process at another place since it’s growth is concerning me.

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited February 2019

    Mamainsmalltownusa

    So likely he will refer me back to imagining center to measure and then surgery to remove, followed by pathology, right?

    ***That would be my guess, that was the routine where I practiced.

    Is it safe to assume that, with removal and pathology, I am safe to do it in my small town? That seems pretty straightforward right?

    ***In my experience no matter where the hospital is located, if pathology has a problem deciding what something is, or needs some unusual testing done on a sample, it is sent out to a reference laboratory either private or at a university for a review and second opinion. One large hospital system I was associated with would regularly send samples to Vanderbilt for confirmation as a part of its quality control program.

    I really hesitate wasting any time starting the process at another place since it's growth is concerning me.

    ***An ultrasound will tell you why it feels bigger. It may have grown, it may have bled into itself or an adjacent space after the biopsy making it feel bigger, a cyst may have developed right next to it, etc.

    From what I read, imaging and core biopsy can't always tell the difference (FA vs phyodes)

    ***Routine imaging will not confidently differentiate them which is why we watch and measure. If the biopsy is done correctly, obtaining a portion of its outer edge (not just the center) with a needle of sufficient size, it should be able to tell the difference.

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  • Mamainsmalltownusa
    Mamainsmalltownusa Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2019

    Thank you!

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