Told I had Fibroadenoma but now clinic say it’s breast cancer…do they look the same?

In 2005, 2016 and again in 2020 I was referred to a breast clinic because of a lump I had in my right breast and each time was told it was Fibroadenoma, but it has grown over the years hence have kept getting it checked. I was told it could change with hormones but as I’ve become perimenopausal my breasts have got sore, so I wanted to just check again that it’s Fibroadenoma. This time the clinic said they’re pretty certain it’s cancer, and I am distraught! They have taken biopsies but wouldn’t give me any more discussion about it - basically gave me a card with McMillan Cancer Support on it and said I’d need to just wait. I’m now so worried as if the previous checks missed cancer and instead thought it was Fibroadenoma then the cancer is likely well established and spread. Is it easy to mistaken Fibroadenoma for cancer? And has this happened to anyone else? Has it happened that the diagnosis of Fibroadenoma prevails and the cancer one is incorrect?  

  • Hi Aqua74,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with this confusion and uncertainty - I can of course understand you having lots of questions and concerns.

    If you feel you'd like to talk things through with someone, you are welcome to give our nurses a call. You can reach them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    I hope that it's not long for you to wait to find out more about this. In the meantime, hopefully you'll get some more replies to your post here, particularly if others with similar experience see it.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator