Fibroadenoma

Hi everyone 

im asking for advise for my daughter just turned 16- about 5 weeks ago, we noticed a large lump in her breast. We got a referral at the breast clinic. She had a scan and the lump is 13cm - and had a biopsy. 
we are waiting for the results and another appointment. My daughter has an eating disorder and is very worked up about all this. And thinks the worst. Has anyone ever experienced anything similar x

thanks 

  • Hi Ecr84,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear of your daughter's anxiety about this, which is only natural. Of all the people who attend the breast clinic only 20% will get a cancer diagnosis. The other 80% are likely to be told that they have benign cysts, fibroadenoma, naturally lumpy breasts, etc. These are usually left untreated unless they are causing pain or discomfort, when they can be removed. The biopsy is to make absolutely certain that there is no cancer present. I know that this gives you both a very stressful wait but it is reassuring that your consultant is being thorough and taking no chances.

    Have you been given a date for the results yet?

    I sincerely hope that all turns out well.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how she gets on. We are always here for both of you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello Ecr84 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your daughter. I can understand that this must be a difficult time for you both.

    The majority of breast lumps found in teenage girls are benign (not cancerous).

    Breast Cancer Now have more information about breast cancer and teenage girls which you both may find helpful to look at.

    You may also find it helpful to ring Breast Cancer Now 0808 800 6000. The charity is mostly manned by specialised breast cancer nurses and they may also have tips on helping manage your daughter's anxiety.

    It may be helpful to contact the breast care nurses at the hospital where she was seen to let them know that your daughter is finding it difficult to cope.

    You have posted in 'ask the nurses' but as there are so few teenagers that are diagnosed with breast cancer it would be difficult to find someone in a similar situation.

    As I am not sure what support you have got in place it may also be helpful to get in touch with your daughter's GP to see if you can get an appointment so any concerns can be discussed.

    I do hope that some of these links may be useful.

    You are welcome to ring and chat any of this through with one of the helpline nurses.

    The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    No we haven’t. Our appointment was 2 weeks ago. But haven’t heard anything. I don’t know when we will? 

  • It usually takes about 2 weeks to get a biopsy result back, but this can vary from one clinic to another. If you haven't heard anything by Monday, it might be worth phoning the consultant's secretary. All results go back to her first. She should be able to tell you if the results are back yet and if the MDT meeting has, or is due to be held.

    After she receives the results back, they are discussed by a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT). If anything of concern is found, this is where all of the medical professionals who might be involved in her care, should she need any, discuss the best way forward and any treatment options. Nobody will discuss the findings of the biopsy with you before this meeting is held (usually on a particular day of the week). Once the meeting is held you will usually hear from the clinic fairly quickly.

    Here's hoping that you hear soon.

    Jolamine xx