Fibroadenoma: Hello lovely people, I was... - Women's Health

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Fibroadenoma

marianna1978 profile image
21 Replies

Hello lovely people,

I was diagnosed with 3 fibroadenoma in my left breast, I m turning 41 next month, but I have never had a mammogram, is that ok? I suppose that due to my age risk factor and the fact that I have fibroadenoma I should be checked at least every year, but nothing being told by the GP.

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marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978
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21 Replies

I have this in my right breast this developed after giving birth, I get this checked every year & have had scans too, nothing to worry about and it's better to be checked yearly than not. I'm 27 x

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply tostephaniealexandra

Who check you every year? Is that on the nhs or privately?

The NHS at my local hospital it was the gp who referred me to the hospital to check the lump, it's not grown much I've had it for 6 years x

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply tostephaniealexandra

The GP referred me the first time I had pain in my breast to the breast clinic, but after being told I had fibroadenoma the clinic discharged me saying that I should have gone back only if I had more pain or I noticed a bigger lump... is that safe? Should I ask the GP to investigate further?

myrtice profile image
myrtice in reply tomarianna1978

Yes yes yes

Go back to your gp and tell them what the hospital said and they should give you yearly appointments, they can grow up to 10cm in or out the way on the breast, it doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer it's not something to majorly worry about unless it's sore all the time they can remove it, they offered to remove mines but because it's big I would be left with an indent on my boob and it's visible not hidden with the bra x

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply tostephaniealexandra

Thanks dear, but I m not sure the GP would do something... where are you in U.K.? I m in Edinburgh

I'm just outside Glasgow, if it's sore or feels tender go straight back to the doctors x

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply tostephaniealexandra

My GP is really hard to ask for a referral 😞😞

stephaniealexandra profile image
stephaniealexandra in reply tomarianna1978

Aww that's a shame can't you request a different doctor or call the Brest clinic back where you were seen to see next steps ect xxxx

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply tostephaniealexandra

The breast clinic said there was no need to be seen again unless something changed🤨 I felt really left behind and with no other choice than being seen by a private, but it’s so expensive!

stephaniealexandra profile image
stephaniealexandra in reply tomarianna1978

They must of been able to see that yours possibly won't grow and shouldn't effect you, I wouldn't bother going private, if you have had the scan then I would just wait to see if you notice a change or feel any different, it's honestly nothing to worry about ❤

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply tostephaniealexandra

Thanks for the supporting chat🙏🏼

stephaniealexandra profile image
stephaniealexandra in reply tomarianna1978

No problem, take care x

wobblybee profile image
wobblybeeAdministratorPioneer

🙂 Just some general info, it may be helpful.

Fibroadenoma of Breast

How it feels

Causes

Types

Diagnosis

Treatment

Management

What is a fibroadenoma?

Finding a lump in your breast can be a scary experience, but not all lumps and tumors are cancerous. One type of benign (noncancerous) tumor is called a fibroadenoma. While not life-threatening, a fibroadenoma may still require treatment.

A fibroadenoma is a noncancerous tumor in the breast that’s commonly found in women under the age of 30. According to the American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation, approximately 10 percent of women in the United States receive a diagnosis of fibroadenoma.

African-American women are more likely to develop these tumors.

The tumor consists of breast tissue and stromal, or connective, tissue. Fibroadenomas can occur in one or both breasts.

What does a fibroadenoma feel like?

Some fibroadenomas are so small they can’t be felt. When you’re able to feel one, it’s very distinct from the surrounding tissue. The edges are clearly defined and the tumors have a detectable shape.

They’re moveable under the skin and typically not tender. These tumors often feel like marbles, but may have a rubbery feel to them.

What causes a fibroadenoma?

It’s unknown exactly what causes fibroadenomas. Hormones such as estrogen may play a part in the growth and development of the tumors. Taking oral contraceptives before the age of 20 has been associated with a higher risk of developing fibroadenomas as well.

These tumors may grow larger in size, particularly during pregnancy. During menopause, they often shrink. It’s also possible for fibroadenomas to resolve on their own.

Some women have reported that avoiding foods and drinks that are stimulants — like tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and coffee — have improved their breast symptoms.

Even though this is worth trying, there are no studies that have scientifically established a link between ingesting stimulants and improving breast symptoms.

Are there different types of fibroadenomas?

There are two types of fibroadenomas: simple fibroadenomas and complex fibroadenomas.

The simple tumors don’t increase breast cancer risk and look the same all over when viewed under a microscope.

The complex tumors contain other components such as macrocysts, fluid-filled sacs large enough to feel and to see without a microscope. They also contain calcifications, or calcium deposits.

Complex fibroadenomas can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society states that women with complex fibroadenomas have approximately one and a half times greater risk of developing breast cancer than women with no breast lumps.

Fibroadenomas in children

Juvenile fibroadenoma is extremely rare and generally classified as benign. When fibroadenomas do occur, girls are more likely to develop them. Because it’s rare, the outlook for children with fibroadenoma is difficult to summarize.

How are fibroadenomas diagnosed?

A physical examination will be conducted and your breasts will be palpated (examined manually). A breast ultrasound or mammogram imaging test may also be ordered.

A breast ultrasound involves lying on a table while a handheld device called a transducer is moved over the skin of the breast, creating a picture on a screen. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast taken while the breast is compressed between two flat surfaces.

A fine needle aspiration or biopsy may be performed to remove tissue for testing. This involves inserting a needle into the breast and removing small pieces of the tumor.

The tissue will then be sent to a lab for microscopic examination to determine the type of fibroadenoma and if it’s cancerous.

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply towobblybee

Thanks 🙏🏼 I know all of that but I was wondering if it’s fair and right to not get a annual check.. rather than only come back if something changes

wobblybee profile image
wobblybeeAdministratorPioneer in reply tomarianna1978

🤔 After reading the info, I would have thought annual checkups were par for the course.

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply towobblybee

They didn’t offer that to me.. what should I do?

wobblybee profile image
wobblybeeAdministratorPioneer in reply tomarianna1978

🙂 To get peace of mind, you could always ring this Helpline number. They should be able to advise whether or not you definitely need an annual checkup with Fibroadenoma. And, if that’s the case, how to go about getting one.

Talk to our breast care nurses

0808 800 6000

If you have a query about breast cancer or breast health, you want to talk things through or find more support, our breast care nurses are at the end of a telephone line.

The Breast Cancer Now Helpline

We provide tailored information and specialist support to anyone affected by breast cancer or with queries about breast health. Callers include people who want to know more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer; people who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, their families and friends; and healthcare professionals.

By offering accurate information and the chance to talk openly in a safe and confidential space, we hope that our callers feel more informed, more confident about making decisions and more supported with what they are going through.

Call us free on 0808 800 6000

Usually we're open:

Monday to Friday — 9am to 4pm

Saturday — 9am to 1pm

Calls are free from all UK landlines and mobiles. To make sure everyone can contact us we have access to a telephone interpreting service, in over 240 languages, and the Next Generation Text service, prefix 18001.

If you have a question but prefer to receive the information in writing, you can email our nurses instead.

What if I can’t get through?

Usually you’ll get through straight away, but at busy times, you may have to wait for a short while. If you’d prefer not to wait, there’s an option to leave a voicemail and we’ll phone back as soon as possible.

Out of hours you can also leave a voicemail and we’ll phone you when we’re next open, usually first thing in the morning.

Who will answer my call?

Our team consists of experienced breast care nurses and trained staff who have a personal or work-related experience of breast cancer.

We keep up to date with developments in the diagnosis, treatment and support of breast cancer and breast health concerns and between us we have a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with people affected by breast cancer. Whatever your concern, you can be assured that we will respond in a friendly, understanding and professional way.

What kind of calls do you get?

Some people want general information, others have specific clinical queries, and some people just want to talk.

Calls might be from:

someone concerned about a breast change

people waiting for test results

women facing treatment choices, such as whether to have chemotherapy

people wanting to talk through the details of their pathology report

people recently diagnosed with secondary breast cancer

friends, relatives, partners and children of people with breast cancer

healthcare professionals

Some people call us once, others more regularly over a period of time.

myrtice profile image
myrtice

Please have a mammogram. Better be safe. I have mestatic breast cancer and found a lump. I had my mammograms and this slipped up. Be safe and have your mammogram yearly. Wishing you the very best.

marianna1978 profile image
marianna1978 in reply tomyrtice

Thank you very much for the advice! I want to have one but the Brest unit discharged me saying that it’s fine like this. Do you think the GP would refer me?

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