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Fibroadenoma or Cyst?

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Posted 12/13/2004 5:24 AM (GMT 0)

Hello All!
I'm a little confused, and alot scared, and I just wanted to hear some of your oppinions. Here goes:
I had a general checkup with my gyno on Dec 2, and she found a 1.5 cm lump on my breast, and asked me to come back for a sonogram. She told me at the time not to be worried, and that based on my age, it's probably a Fibroadenoma (I'm 24 years old).
Anyway, after much waiting and worrying, I finally went in again on Fri for the sono. She told me that it looks like it's just a cyst, and that it can easily removed with a fine needle asperation.
I have a couple questions...
1) Is it common for a cyst to be confused with fibroadenoma at first glance?
2) I know anyone can be diagnosed with just about anything at any age, but isnt fibroadenoma generally found more in women my age than cysts?
3) Should I go with her diagnosis, or do you think I should get a second opinion?

I know I probably sound silly, but I'm just kinda nervous, so please forgive me.
Thank you So Much!

Posted 12/13/2004 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Laura, nothing you asked sounds silly to me. And, here we welcome all questions, so do not worry. I can't answer your questions, other than to say since the doctor wants to remove the lump using a needle aspiration sounds like a good idea. We always get nervous when docs want to watch and wait. So, this is a good decision. One web site you might want to check out is www.imaginis.com. It has a lot of useful information. We've got a couple of nurses on the board, so maybe one of them will post responses to your questions. Just wanted to say hi from one night owl to another. Let us know how you are doing. Welcoming hugs, Lauri
Posted 12/13/2004 11:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Laura-
From just feeling it, yes, it is common to confuse a fibroadenoma with a cyst. A sonogram should tell the difference thouch. A cyst is fluid filled and a fibroadenoma is solid, so they will look different on the ultrasound. In my case, the sonogram was diagnostic and could easily tell it was cancer. A fine needle aspiration is the first place to start. if it is fluid, it will collapse and perhaps never come back. My thought is to follow through with this doc, and then determine if you need a second opinion.

The lump needs to be looked at, no matter if solid or fluid. It may need to come out, but if the ultrasound showed it was a cyst, then a needle may be the best place to start.

80% of breast lumps are benign, and maybe even more so at your age. But you are smart to check it out, no matter what, and don't let them tell you you are too young.

GOod luck-
Lori
Posted 12/13/2004 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome and good luck with your fine needle aspiration. It most likely a cyst. They are very distinctive on film, so for now I would follow my doctor recommendations. Please let us know how things turn out. Candy
Posted 12/13/2004 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Fine needle is the way to go. Make sure you have it done quickly and then you will know. Mine was located with a cat scan and then they did the fine needle and were able to answer all my questions in 24 hours. I had a harder time with not knowing than I did with actually knowing and getting started doing something. Please let us know. Joyce
Posted 12/13/2004 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
As everyone else has told you, it sounds like your doctor is doing the right thing in the right order. Hopefully it is a cyst and once it has been aspirated it will go away and all should be ok. However, always be on guard and keep up with annual physicals and check yourself occasionally. If it should turn out to be a lump, as others have suggested, insist on having a biopsy because no one can tell for sure what that lump is without a biopsy. It is rare for someone your age to have breast cancer, but certainly not impossible. Do not let anyone tell you that you are too young. We'll be here waiting to hear back what you find out and answer any questions and concerns you might have. Hugs and prayers that all will be well with you soon, Mary K.
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