Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/13/2011

Question
I have been diagnosed with a fibroadenoma by Fine Needle Biopsy Aspiration.The lump is palpable.I first had an MRI which showed nothing. The surgeon thought it was a Lipoma but after doing a F.N.A the results came back that it is a Fibroadenoma. Why would it not shown up on the MRI? It has also not shown up on any of my routine mammograms or ultrasounds. The last being in June this year.Is the F.N.A accurate? I have been told by the surgeon to follow up in 3 months with an ultrasound and an appointment. Why does he need to follow up if the F.N.A shows a Fibroadenoma with no abnormal cells? My mom and Grandmother both had breast cancer so I am worried that something may be overlooked and I should rather remove the entire fibroadenoma.

Answer
Why it does not show up on the MRI scan I can not explain, that method is usually even oversensitive. That it does not show up on mammography and ultrasound is also surprising. F.N.A. biopsies are usually very reliable in experienced hands. But of course you can insist on having it removed especially in view of your family history. Why he wants to have it checked again with ultrasound especially since it did not show up previously with that method so that there is nothing earlier to compare any new findings with is a mystery to me too. So have it removed and there is no need to worry about it! Good luck!


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