Managing Recurring Breast Tumors: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

Recurrent breast tumor?

Hello Doctor, I discovered a tumor in my left breast when I was around 20 years old.
A biopsy at that time indicated it was benign, so I opted for surgical removal.
The pathology report confirmed it was indeed benign.
However, less than a year later, it recurred and was larger than the first tumor.
It grew to a certain size and then stopped increasing.
When I was about 33 years old, I underwent another surgery to remove a tumor approximately 2 centimeters in size.
This time, the pathology report again indicated it was benign, specifically labeled as a phyllodes tumor.
Yet, shortly after the surgery, it recurred again, growing larger than the second tumor and then ceased to grow until now, at age 39.
Although it does not affect my daily life, I experience some swelling and pain before my menstrual period.
I would like to know if there is a definitive treatment for this condition.
Is it necessary to remove all breast tissue? What would be the implications for my body if I underwent a complete mastectomy? Alternatively, can lifestyle and dietary changes help reduce the likelihood of recurrence? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/05

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid

Liposarcoma is inherently a disease that tends to recur, and it is generally recommended to have a larger and wider margin of excision.
Therefore, if a re-excision is desired, it may result in the sacrifice of more breast tissue.
Even with such excision, it does not guarantee that recurrence will not occur.
Currently, there is no evidence that diet or lifestyle factors can influence the occurrence of recurrence.

Reply Date: 2019/04/05

More Info

Managing recurring breast tumors, particularly benign conditions like phyllodes tumors, can be a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Given your history of multiple surgeries for benign tumors and concerns about recurrence, it’s essential to understand both the medical and lifestyle aspects of managing your condition.

Understanding Phyllodes Tumors
Phyllodes tumors, also known as cystosarcoma phyllodes, are rare breast tumors that can be benign or malignant. They are characterized by their leaf-like architecture and can grow quickly. While benign phyllodes tumors are not cancerous, they can recur after surgical removal. The fact that you have experienced multiple recurrences suggests that while the tumors are benign, they have a tendency to regrow, which can be frustrating and concerning.

Treatment Options
1. Surgical Intervention: The primary treatment for phyllodes tumors is surgical excision. Given your history, it’s crucial that the surgery is performed with clear margins to minimize the risk of recurrence. If the tumors continue to recur, some specialists may recommend a more extensive surgery, such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending on the size and location of the tumors. However, mastectomy is usually reserved for cases where there is a significant risk of malignancy or if the tumors are recurrent and large.

2. Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with imaging (like ultrasounds or mammograms) can help monitor for any new growths. Since you mentioned that the tumors have not been growing significantly after reaching a certain size, this could indicate a stable condition, but vigilance is key.

3. Hormonal Therapy: Although phyllodes tumors are not typically hormone-sensitive like some breast cancers, discussing hormonal influences with your healthcare provider may be beneficial, especially if you experience symptoms related to your menstrual cycle.

Lifestyle Changes
1. Diet and Nutrition: While there is no specific diet proven to prevent the recurrence of phyllodes tumors, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health. Some studies suggest that diets high in antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and support immune function.

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress, which may contribute to overall well-being. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with strength training exercises.

3. Stress Management: Chronic stress can impact your immune system and overall health. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can be beneficial.

4. Regular Check-ups: Stay proactive about your health by scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. This will allow for early detection of any changes in your condition.

Considerations for Mastectomy
If you are contemplating a mastectomy, it’s essential to discuss the potential physical and emotional impacts with your healthcare team. Mastectomy can lead to changes in body image, and some women may experience emotional distress following the procedure. However, it can also provide peace of mind regarding the risk of recurrence.

Conclusion
In summary, while managing recurring benign breast tumors can be challenging, a combination of surgical options, regular monitoring, and lifestyle changes can help you maintain your health and well-being. It’s crucial to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about your concerns, treatment options, and the potential need for more extensive surgery. Remember, each case is unique, and your treatment plan should be tailored to your specific situation and health goals.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk and Treatment Options

Thank you for the doctor's response. I have a low level of education and do not understand what the doctor means by medication treatment. Hello! Your cancer recurrence index is as high as 136 (with >30 indicating a high recurrence rate). It is recommended that you undergo...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! Yes, it is recommended that you proceed with the necessary treatment. Although chemotherapy regimens may vary between hospitals, the principles are generally similar. From the current medical perspective, breast cancer is considered a systemic chronic disease. After treatm...

Managing Persistent Breast Cancer: Treatment Challenges and Options

In late 1994, I discovered I had a tumor, and the doctor said it was stage III, so I started chemotherapy. The first four cycles included cranberry extract, 5-FU, and possibly platinum-based drugs. However, the tumor did not shrink, and my CA 15-3 levels rose to over 260. Then, I...

Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Miss Len, First of all, I would like to express my highest respect for your fighting spirit! Of course, I also want to give you my greatest encouragement! The recurrence of cancer during treatment indicates that the previous medications may have been insufficient, which is ...

Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery and Post-Operative Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, My mother has been undergoing regular mammograms every six months and was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. The tumor is located at the 9 o'clock position in the right breast, measuring 1.2 cm, and is a single tumor (the doctor mentioned that lymph node...

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Madam, Thank you for your letter. Here are my responses: 1. If the malignant tumor is small, partial resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy can be considered. However, if your mother has multiple benign fibromas in both breasts as you described, total mastectomy ...

Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Medication Concerns and Side Effects

Hello Doctor, I recently underwent a breast examination and was diagnosed with a unilateral left fibrocystic lesion. Although the biopsy results were benign, the lesion is relatively large and classified as grade 3 (with a family history of hereditary breast cancer risk). The phy...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
Currently, the management of fibrocystic changes involves either observation and monitoring or surgical intervention, and does not include pharmacological treatment. The medication you mentioned belongs to the category of hormonal therapies for breast cancer. I do not have experi...