Can you say that? Fibro-adenoma. There. Does that help?
It is a benign tumor in the breast.
I have several of them, one large enough to feel on self examination. That one has been around for a long time.
Last January, I went in for my first mammogram. It was not as painful as I thought it would be, since the hospital has new imaging technology and a machine that doesn't squish you as flat as they used to. But, of course, the mammogram raised some red flags that resulted in an immediate ultrasound (yes, that stressed me at the time). The diagnosis was fibroadenoma... but come back in 6 months so we can be sure.
Today was the six month check up ultrasound. Yup. They are still there. The radiologist still diagnosed them as fibroadenoma. I have been instructed to watch the large one carefully and report any sudden changes to it. The tech who performed the ultrasound seemed nervous about it and was very earnest in telling me to contact them right away if I am concerned at all.
Am I concerned at all?
Not hugely. I did my own research on the subject. Fibroadenoma occurs in 10% of women. One in ten. That is a lot of women! Still, lucky me. Having them increases my risk of breast cancer (duh). I have had that large one since I was a teen. I saw a doctor back then who gave me the same diagnosis.
So, no. I am not going to lose sleep over it. I am just grateful for modern technology that can keep an eye on stuff like that. And I am grateful for medical insurance that covers the expenses that would have buried us by now... between my diagnostic procedures, Helena's surgery, and Bill's emergency operation. Do I wish I didn't have them? Of course! But that is something I can't control, so I am going to let that go and focus on what I can control.
2 comments:
Thank you for posting this. I have a large lump in one breast, and I went to my doctor who said it was most likely fibroadenoma, but wanted to do an ultrasound anyhow... well.. we dont have health insurance at the moment so unless he was suspicious about it I didn't want to incur any more medical bills. I check it regularly and it has stayed the same (perhaps I should name it "Lumpy" or something, ha!), so not to stressed about it. But in the back my head I worry a lot about it, so this makes me feel much better and well, "chill" with it.
Thanks for the info and positive attitude. :)
Bridget, you're welcome. I recommend you research fibroadenoma online. If the doctor isn't concerned and is certain it is benign, then great! I understand about insurance. I am sorry about that! I'm stressed enough about making ends meet while Bill recovers. I'd be a basket case if I had to pay the hospital bills, too!
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