Fibroadenoma in older women?

[rebecca1988uk]

My mum recently said she found a small lump in one of her breasts, but said that she has sometimes had trouble finding it. As though sometimes it's like it's not even there, and other times she can feel it (which sounds a bit like fibroadenoma going by what Ive read online)

The GP couldn't feel it either and said it is most likely Fibroadenoma, but has referred her to the hospital for tests to make sure.

My mum is in her 60s though, and I've read that it's rare for older women to get Fibroadenoma and that its mainly younger, pre-menopausal women that get it.

Having said that, she did have a mammogram a few months ago which came back negative.

Does anyone know if it's likely it might still be breast cancer? I'm worried now.

And also, I always read about how cancer is more treatable if caught 'early'... yet nowhere gives any indication one what is classed as 'early'!

Is that like a few months or is it more like a few days / weeks??

I work in a breast clinic (but not a breast nurse or Dr) I can't tell you that your mum will be ok, but 90% of women referred from their GP are normal/benign if that helps.

The recent mammogram is reassuring, but mammograms aren't the most sensitive to masses so they can't be 100% relied upon. However, as a general rule, something malignant wouldn't move around the breast or disappear, it would stay rooted where it was.

Hope all turns out well.

Thanks, that makes me feel a little better!

@rebecca1988uk, I had a worrying mammogram recall about 10 years ago when I was 62. Went through the process at the breast clinic, and had core biopsies taken - it turned out to be a fibroadenoma, so yes, quite possible to have these in later life.

As far as I know with fibroadenomas they are sensitive to hormonal changes sooo they can grow - I realized I had one in pregnancy but it's probably been there ages I just never knew because it was too small, so maybe hers has just grown a bit and is now noticeable but it's been there ages x

Thanks a lot for the replies everyone! hopefully she'll be okay then