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Dec 9, 2025
Dear Doctor: What is a breast fibroadenoma and can it turn into cancer?
Oregon Live
DEAR DR. ROACH: I had my first mammogram and was found to have a lesion. The mammographer said that I should follow up in six months with another mammogram and sonogram, but I have a grandmother who died of breast cancer. So, instead of waiting, I underwent a biopsy that showed a fibroadenoma.
What is it? Does it ever become cancerous? I also read that they are associated with being overweight. I did have bariatric surgery in the past. -- V.P.
ANSWER: A fibroadenoma is a benign breast mass. Most fibroadenomas are "simple" and do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. They do not need to be removed since they won't become cancer, but some women choose to remove them so that they won't have to worry about them, although this can cause a scar and some dimpling.
Complex fibroadenomas slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Some experts believe they should be removed so that the whole tumor can be evaluated, while others do not feel that a complete removal is necessary.
Fibroadenomas do seem to be related to estrogen levels as they tend to occur during a woman's reproductive years and may increase in size when taking estrogen or during pregnancy (since estrogen levels are high). They also tend to shrink after menopause.
Women who are overweight enough to be considered for bariatric surgery tend to have higher levels of estrogen as fat cells can make a type of estrogen called estrone, which is not very potent but lasts for a long time. If you lost weight as most do with bariatric surgery, your estrogen levels are likely to go down.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 78-year-old woman. I have been prescribed lisinopril and metoprolol for a long time. This past year, my physician discontinued lisinopril and prescribed amlodipine instead.
I have been under a great deal of stress during these past few months. I take my blood pressure on a regular basis and find that it is good when I am relaxed, which isn't very often. I am feeling this overwhelming panic and fear
