Non-palpable mass; 35-year-old in early menopause

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HelenM
HelenM Member Posts: 4
edited October 2021 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi all,

I'm grateful for this wonderful community as I await some answers!

In response to a bilateral rash on my breasts that was not affected by prescription topical creams/steroids, my OBGYN ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I do have a paternal aunt with inflammatory breast cancer but everyone I've seen has said the rash does not look like IBC. While the mammogram was unremarkable, the ultrasound found a 12mm mass in my right breast consistently with a possible fibroadenoma. It is non-palpable and I have a biopsy next Thursday. My BI-RADS score is 4a.

I've been reading that fibroadenomas are common in younger women (under 30) and far less common in older women and women who are pre-, peri-, or post-menopausal. While I am 35, I am going through menopause now as a result of a diagnosis of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency. Given this, I would imagine that my "young" age does not necessarily correlate with the likelihood that the mass is a fibroadenoma for a 35-year-old not going through menopause.

Might anyone have any thoughts here? Thanks!

Comments

  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited October 2021

    I'm no expert in fibroadenomas, but I know that even if they are less likely in older women, they can and do still happen. I'll also say that 4A is the lowest possible rating for a scan that will still get insurance to pay for a biopsy. My (non-expert) interpretation of 4A is the doctor thinking that it doesn't look or seem like cancer, but better to rule it out just in case.

    A callback for a biopsy is always going to be scary, but 4A is about as promising as it gets. I hope you get good news soon!

  • HelenM
    HelenM Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2021

    Thank you for your response! Im from Brooklyn as well! I’m remaining hopeful. I’ve had so many health issues over the past year I’m just plain exhausted.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2021

    We're so sorry you find yourself here with this worry, HelenM, but we hope you get good news soon! Please keep us posted!

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