Fibroadenoma Suspected. How Sure Can I Be?

[mizfiesta]

I'm a 45 year old woman. I attended an appointment I had arranged by my GP at the breast clinic at local hospital today after finding a hard, solid lump near the side of my left breast.

The Doctor chap examined me, and having found the lump right away, he measured it and dotted the skin around it with black marker pen.

To cut a long story short, I was sent for Mammogram, then Ultrasound. Doc said he highly suspects Fibroadenoma as the growth is approx 18mm, smooth and oval in shape. He said he didn't suspect cancer but he thought it wise to send me back along to x-ray dept to have a core biopsy carried out. He said he would usually do this himself but because of the positioning of the growth, he felt it wiser to be carried out using imaging to guide the needle.

My question is...am I more or less 'out of the woods'? Cancerous tumours aren't usually oval and smooth are they so he's right to think Fibroadenoma? The core biopsy is just to err on the side of caution?

Has anyone found themselves to be in this position and certain it's not anything suspect only to be told otherwise?

[Sqad]

\\\My question is...am I more or less 'out of the woods'?\\\

No. You maybe more out of the woods, but certainly not less.(if that makes sense)

\\Cancerous tumours aren't usually oval and smooth are they so he's right to think Fibroadenoma?\\

Correct......"usually." But we are not in a guessing game here, although if we were, then my money would be on a Fibro-adenoma.

\\\\ The core biopsy is just to err on the side of caution? \\\

Exactly.

If you were my wife, that is exactly the procedure that i would want her to experience.

\\\\\Has anyone found themselves to be in this position and certain it's not anything suspect only to be told otherwise?\\\\

I am sure they have.

[Sycamore3House]

What has been done to you so far is for your own good. You will probably told worst case scenario until a proper diagnosis can be given. In my experience if it is anything to do with cancer the NHS are on the ball and you will be dealt with asap. Go for every appointment that you are booked for as it could be a life saver.

[mizfiesta]

Thanks Sqad, thanks Sycamore. I guess I'm trying to remain positive but also to expect a curve ball just in case. It's thought that Fibroadenomas are usually found in the 'younger woman' e.g teens to early 30's? I'd have thought I was too old although never say never I guess.

[Mamyalynne]

No point in saying 'don't worry' because you will , but certainly sounds like you are being very well looked after.

Best wishes and let us know how things go.

[mizfiesta]

Thanks Mamyalynne, I've to go back to the breast clinic on Thursday to get the results. I'm 99% it'll be a benign result - like I just feel it's going to be okay - but there's that 1% doubt that creeps in, in the wee small hours. And I'm kinda beating myself up for worrying about something I've practically been guaranteed is a Fibroadenoma.

[Sycamore3House]

A few weeks ago I was in the same position as I was recalled after a routine mammogram within 7 days. I went through all the scenarios in my head as to 'what if it is' it is human nature. My thought was Be positive you do not know until the doctor gives the verdict. Mine proved to be nothing but I am now in the system and will continue with the tests whenever I am called. I am late 40's and the testing is being trialled in my area on under 50's. Afterwards I needed lots if wine and hair dye.

[Mamyalynne]

I think we all do it, I was recalled after they found calcifications and they did further tests, within hours my mind was racing to what meals to make to freeze and whether to buy new pyjamas.


Take are now.

[gness]

Not too old at all, Miz....mine was diagnosed when I was fifty and fifteen years past menopause......put it down to being young at heart....

I received excellent and speedy treatment to put my mind at rest but of course there's always going to be that little niggle til you know for certain....

I had yearly mammograms for some years....then every second year and now I'm back to three years......x

[Sycamore3House]

I also did that Mamalynne Its amazing what goes through your mind given the situation. But afterwards it is laughable luckily. I had everyone else organised before the diagnosis.

[jennyjoan]

I was recalled too - to be recalled is frightening but thank god everything was ok. Never mine me having to buy dye and wine but I also had to buy them for all my friends as I had them tortured.

[mizfiesta]

Just to let you all know that I went in yesterday for results of core biopsy and it is indeed a Fibroadenoma. Sigh of relief. They're just going to leave it alone unless of course it grows and/or starts giving me bother. I'm quite happy with that decision I guess as I hear they can 'grow back' after surgical removal anyway? No point in having scarring if I don't asbolutely have to. Thanks again to all of you who responded, in particular, Sqad - AB's resident medic :)

[mizfiesta]

Ps also forgot to add that since the diagnostic tests last week BOTH my breasts have been really sore and tender. Even the breast that didn't have the biopsy done. I guess the Mammograms the cause of this? Flattening already lumpy, fibrous breasts?

[Sqad]

Well played fiesta...........my medical knowledge is limited, but when we come to breasts, I feel that i am more than "up to the job" if you know what I mean.

[Mamyalynne]

Glad to hear the news - the tenderness is common to some of us, me included, it will settle.

Take care.