lump in child's shoulder

[mojo_b49]

My friend recently found a lump in her son's shoulder (he's five) and took him to see the doctor, who diagnosed a fibroadenoma and said it's nothing to worry about. The only information I can find about this is in relation to breast lumps in women. Does anyone know anything about this condition in children? My friend was not very happy with the doctor's explanation but did not feel able to disagree with him without knowing a bit more about it. Any help would be much appreciated as she is worried sick

[daisy48]

Hi mojo. I've had a fibroadenoma in my right breast for almost 5 years. I had it thoroughly checked out,mammagrom and an aspiration. The consultant told me a fibroadenoma is a harmless lump of gristle which can be removed if wanted. I chose to leave mine where it was. If you're not happy please get a 2nd opinion for your son just to put your mind at ease. A fibro is also known as a "Mouse" as it moves from time to time but remains harmless.

[whiffey]

A very general point about 'omas' all of which sound threatening.

Tumours (Latin = swellings) may be benign or malignant. A benign tumour tends to grow more slowly than a malignant one, and critically, does not spread to other parts of the body. When a growth is malignant and more than locally invasive you see a new terminology, e.g. carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, depending on the tissue of origin.

The doctor sounds like he's seen this before, sounds like you can stop panicking. Best wishes.