Confused regarding what the lump in my breast means

Hi everyone!

I am aware that I should probably ask my doctor this questions however I can't seem to really understand what they mean, so I am hoping someone can help with similar experiences.

Around 6 months ago I discovered a moveable, semi-firm lump in one of my breasts. I went to the doctor who referred me to the hospital. I've since had 2 ultrasounds and 2 biopsies. They initially told me they were sure it was a fibroadenoma but had to do a biopsy to rule anything out.

They called me with the result a few days ago, and said that the biopsy came back as "normal breast tissue", however lumps are still not normal and I have to come back in a few months time to check on it again. They were "mostly sure" they got tissue from the actual lump they said. I tried to get clarification on what the lump actually was but they just said they need to monitor in case "something is starting" in the breast, and at the same time told me to stay calm and there was nothing to worry about.

Now I'm just left very worried and confused, and struggling to keep my mind off the lump. If the lump was just normal tissue and nothing to worry about, why are they then saying that it needs monitoring and "something can be starting"? They also did not mention fibroadenoma so I assume that's not what it is.

I know it sounds stupid but I'm just really struggling to not constantly thinking that there is cancer starting to grow in my breasts now..I guess I am just looking for reassurance from people who have had similar experiences. For reference I am 25 years old and don't have breast cancer in close family.

Offline Jolamine over 5 years ago

Hi Annawry,
Welcome to our forum.
I am so sorry to hear about your worries. Quite frequently, lumps can be nothing to worry about, but occasionally they can look suspicious. Where this is the case, your consultant will want to monitor you to ensure that no cancer does develop. Many ladies have gone back to their clinics for several years without anything abnormal being detected.
Whilst you may find this worrying, it is also reassuring that s/he has no intention of letting anything develop without nipping it in the bud. As, I'm sure you know, the earlier cancer is caught the better the outcome is.
Try to look at the more positive viewpoint from your tests. I am not a doctor, but if I got your reslts I'd be delighted. You have been told that your biopsies have not detected cancer and that they want to check out your breasts routinely. This should mean that you'll be able to get on with your life in the knowledge that if anything should turn up in the future, that it will be caught in the early stages.
There are a number of different types of lumps, from fibroadenoma, to mastitis, inflammation, lipomas or fatty lumps, for example.
If they had detected Fibroadenoma, I am sure that they would have told you this.
We are always here for you, although I sincerely hope that, for your sake, you never have any cause to use us again.
Do please keep in touch.
Kind regards,
Jolamine xx
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Offline annawry94 over 5 years ago in reply to Jolamine

Hi Jolamine, thank you so much for your kind and reassuring response. You definitely helped me change my perspective. I guess I am just dissapointed that I wasn't told to forget about the lump and have to keep monitoring it - although I should probably be relieved that it was nothing now and they are determined to catch it IF something happens.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond to me - I wish you all the best!

Anna xx
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