Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 4/9/2007

Question
I am 50, and have gone through menopause.  No menses for over 4 years.  I had an abnormal mamogram, followed by ultrasound and then core biopsy of a 1 cm lesion in left breast and smaller one on the right.  I have not seen the pathology report, but the radiologist told me over the phone that both lesions were benign fibroedenomas.  From what I have read, fibroendenomas are more common in younger, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women taking estrogen, which are groups that I do not fall into.  Since my doctor hasn't spoken to me yet about any of this, can you tell me if this diagnosis could be correct?  

Thank you.

Answer
It is hard to argue with a pathology report. While postmenopausal fibroadenomas are uncommon they are not unheard of. Even if you do not menstruate you may still have some estrogen production and it could even be higher than normal - attempting to continue your menstruations that seem to have stopped somewhat early. 50 is not too high an age for estrogen production. That is easy to check with just a blood test. Anyway with this background you should in the future insist on breast MRI scans together with your x-ray mammograms and breast ultrasound scans. And if anything unclear is seen also on needle biopsies - or surgical biopsies if necessary. Good luck!