B3 biopsy results & papilloma

Hi,

I’m 26 years old and recently discovered a very small, pea size like, lump very near to my nipple on my left breast. My GP told me she didn’t think it was anything sinister, however still referred me to a great clinic for further examination just to be on the safe side. Whilst I was at the breast clinic, they reassured me again that they don’t think it’s anything sinister and took a biopsy as a precaution. I received a phone call a few days ago to make an appointment at the breast clinic to discuss my results. I freaked out and demanded my results over the phone, as this was very worrying for me and I couldn’t do the waiting not knowing, so a nurse thankfully told me my results via phone call. I was a mess during this phone call, but would I did manage to gather from the phone call was that my biopsy results were B3, and that the lump is potentially papilloma, and I will require surgery to remove this which will be discussed at my appointment at the breast clinic this week. 
I was just wondering if anyone has anymore of a clear idea what this might mean? I have done the odd researching, but have tried to limit myself due to this really not being good for my mental health. I just want to speak to someone who’s been in / is in a similar position really, as my head is doing over time waiting for these appointments. Every little ache or pain anywhere in my body I’m just thinking the worst and that it’s all somehow connected. Trying to keep a brave face on, but I’m struggling.

  • Hi Rachelmarie123,

    I hope your questions and concerns will be addressed at your appointment this week. You did the right thing in staying away from google, because when youre worried that you may have cancer, it can be tempting to look for answers online, but this can end up increasing anxiety rather than making you feel better.

    Please try not to worry as Papilloma is a benign condition and does not mean cancer. You can read more about it here.

    All the best,

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Hi Rachelmarie123,

    I'm in / been through a similar situation to yourself. My breast biopsy was also a b3 (myofribroblastic proliferation). Most b3 lesions are benign however they do encompass a wide range of lesions and some which are quite rare therefore they take them out to be on the safe side. 

    I've had the surgery to remove my lump about 2 weeks ago and will get the final pathology results on 3rd Aug. It's a frustrating and anxiety inducing time waiting for results. Hopefully you'll get some clarity when you go for your results this week. I found the surgery to be quite straight forward. Minimal pain throughout with the help of paracetamol for about a week. I feel completely healed now and I'm back to my usual activities. 

    Try not to worry, easier said than done. Here I'd you have any questions :).

    X

  • Hi,

    Thank you for the response. It definitely does increase anxiety, I went through a different medical treatment last year, and Google made my life hell for a short period, hence why I’ve tried to stay off it this time. Hopefully it is papilloma and they’re just removing to be on the safe side. *fingers crossed*
    thank you for attaching the link, I’ll have a read :)

    Xx

  • Hi,

    thank you so much for the response. It’s nice to know that I’m not on my own in this situation. Firstly, I’m so glad the surgery went well for you. Can I ask, how long did you wait to have the surgery? All I know is that I’ll be put on a waiting list for this. And what type of surgery was it? I know I will find out more at my appointment Thursday, but it’s nice to kind of have an idea before that goes ahead, so I understand a lot more of what I’m discussing with the nurse/doctor. The waiting around is the worst part.
    I hope your results come back all fine, and again, thank you so much for replying. Xx

  • Hi,

    The surgery was an exisional biopsy (removal of lump). They ended up doing a wide local exisional biopsy (removing the lump and a margin of tissue around it) as they felt more tissue needed to be removed when they were performing the surgery. They told me the waiting list was 4 to 6 weeks. I got seen just over 3 weeks. This will be subject to your hospitals availability. You usually get results back within 2 weeks but due to laboratory delays and my surgeon being away it will be a month from surgery that I'll get my results.

    Good luck for Thursday and I hope you get your surgery date comes through quickly

    Xx

  • Hi, I just had my appointment with consultant this morning. so my lump is a papilloma, located inside a milk duct. It is like a wart, which they said is very common apparently. They said they aren’t really concerned at all, and that nothing sinister was shown in the biopsy. She explained how papillomas can grow in size and cause discomfort, and also because some papillomas can go on to cause abnormal c ells, this is the reasoning for surgery, to remove it to be on the safe side. She explained that surgery will be a same day, have it done and go home on the same day of course as long as there are no complications that arise. I was told that surgery won’t have to be a priority, due to it not being a cause for concern, and that I can attend my holiday in august and have the surgery when I’m home, as the only thing that could possibly happen in the meantime is the lump grow slightly larger. I’m so relieved :) xx

  • Hi Rachel,

    That is fantastic news. I bet you are so relieved and you can enjoy your holiday in peace. When you have your surgery I hope it all runs smoothly and you aren't in too much pain. 

    Good luck for the future and hopefully you can put this behind you soon :) xx

  • Hello ladies, I've had 3 core biospies today on what the breast clinic believes is a papilloma. I have a 1cm lump just above my nipple. Won't get results until 21st of August as I'm going away on Monday for 10 days, would have got them on the 14th if I wasn't going away :( I'm fearing the worst. Can I ask how your both doing please? I've never heard of this condition until today

  • Hello. I got my results just over 2 weeks ago. My consultant said it was a papilloma, which is like a wart in my breast duct. I need surgery to remove it, so have been put on the waiting list for surgery. My consultant said there is nothing at all to worry about, and papilloma’s in the breast are actually quite common. My surgery isn’t ‘priority’ and she is even that not worried, that’s she’s allowing me to go on my holiday at the end of august before having surgery, as it’s not at all a course for concern. She said the only thing that could happen is the lump could get a little bigger before my surgery, but she has said this is unlikely. My lump was also to the right of my nipple, very close. Around the same size as yours too. Since having my results and reassurance from my consultant, it’s really put my mind at ease. I hope all goes well with you! Xx