Removal of fibroadenoma

[Sommer43]

I am 43, with a recently diagnosed 11mm by 3mm fibroadenoma.  This has been a recent find, although the consultant states that it is something that I could have had for some time.  I am doubting this, as I have always checked my breasts regularly.  

I have a lot of pain in my upper arm, in the breast and the mammogram showed nothing, not even the lump, it was picked up on ultra sound.  Given my age, is it wise to have it removed?

[Sommer43]

Hi Zouzi

Thank you for your response.  The breast care nurse has stated that it is entirely up to me if I want it removed.  Although I am 43 and not really wanting surgery, I think that far outweighs the anxiety that I would have were I to leave the FA in.  

I am taking it for granted that the biopsy is 99% proof of it being a fibroadenoma, even though I have read of misdiagnosis of FA's.  My thought process is that as I age (no family history of ovarian or breast cancer, apart from a paternal aunt) the FA could block tissue that may turn nasty as I approach the age of 50 were I leave it and therefore I am only encountering further problems down the line, if it does not shrink or disappear, given that I have presented with one at the age of 43.  

My arm pain is more than the breast pain, and has been considerable since the biopsy last week.  

[zouzi]

Hi
Fibroadenomas, even though they are benign in nature,doctors prefer to remove them when a woman is 40 years old, for several reasons...To name a few, if the lump is large or causing pain,also to make 100% sure that it's indeed a fibroadenoma and there are not mixed type of cells that may increase your risk of breast cancer.
If your doctor has recommended the removal of your lump,he/she must have a good reason to do so, and I would certainly follow the recommendation..The lump you have,could have been there as your radiologist suggested and it's very possible that it was not palpable when you did your BSE,but showed only on the Ultrasound..
The surgery procedure is not complicated, and your recovery should be quick and uneventful.
If I were you I would opt to take this lump out of my body to be on the safe side and also to avoid frequent screening to monitor it's growth.
Best wishes.