Breast Fibroadenoma Surgery: Impact on Future Breastfeeding and Recovery

Q: Breast Fibroadenoma Surgery: Impact on Future Breastfeeding and Recovery

Hello, Xiaomi： Breast lumps are a concern for many women, as they fear the possibility of breast cancer. <br>However, not all breast lumps are malignant tumors. <br>The issue you mentioned pertains to fibroadenomas, which are benign breast tumors commonly found in young women. <b

Breast fibroma..!!?

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if having surgery on the breast will affect future breastfeeding, as I am not yet married.
Also, if a lump is removed, will there be any indentation at the incision site? How long will it take for the wound to heal? Will one breast be larger than the other? Will the area where the lump was removed grow back tissue? Additionally, will the scar be large? A year ago, I had only one lump in my right breast, but it seems to have grown larger, and I have noticed more small lumps appearing.
I am very worried! I have had examinations, but I didn't dare to ask these questions, and they didn't provide much information, just saying that surgery to remove it would be better.
I want to know if having one large lump could lead to the development of more lumps.
Thank you, Doctor.
^^

Xiao Mi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/07/04

Dr. Wang Zhitang reply Surgery

Hello, Xiaomi: Breast lumps are a concern for many women, as they fear the possibility of breast cancer.
However, not all breast lumps are malignant tumors.
The issue you mentioned pertains to fibroadenomas, which are benign breast tumors commonly found in young women.
Fibroadenomas can grow over time, and some individuals may develop multiple fibroadenomas in one breast; generally, they do not metastasize.
Whether or not to excise a lump depends on its size and the physician's clinical judgment regarding the potential for malignancy.
Surgical removal of benign breast lumps typically results in small incisions that follow the natural lines of the breast skin, so scarring is usually minimal and there is no issue with indentation unless a significant amount of breast tissue is removed.
The surgical site usually heals in about ten days, at which point stitches may be removed; some surgeons use absorbable sutures that do not require removal.
Since the surgery only involves the removal of the lump, there is minimal disruption to the surrounding normal tissue, and it generally does not affect breastfeeding.

Reply Date: 2005/07/04

More Info

Breast fibroadenoma surgery is a significant concern for many women, especially those who are considering future breastfeeding and are worried about the aesthetic outcomes of the surgery. Let's address your questions one by one.

Firstly, regarding the impact of surgery on future breastfeeding: Generally, if the surgery is performed carefully and the milk ducts are preserved, it should not significantly affect your ability to breastfeed in the future. Surgeons are trained to minimize damage to the surrounding tissue, including the ducts that are essential for milk production. However, it is essential to discuss your specific situation with your surgeon, as individual anatomy and the extent of the surgery can vary.

As for the concern about the appearance of the breast post-surgery, including whether there will be any indentations or asymmetry: It is possible that there may be some changes in the shape of the breast after surgery, particularly if a significant amount of tissue is removed. However, many surgeons use techniques that help to minimize these effects. The incision's placement and the surgical technique can also influence the final appearance. Scarring can vary from person to person, but most scars tend to fade over time and become less noticeable.

Regarding the healing process, the recovery time can vary depending on the surgical technique used and your body's healing response. Typically, the initial healing of the incision may take about one to two weeks, but complete healing can take several weeks to a few months. During this time, it is crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

You mentioned that you have noticed an increase in the number of lumps in your breast. While fibroadenomas are generally benign, any changes in the breast should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It is essential to have regular follow-ups and imaging studies, such as ultrasounds or mammograms, to monitor any changes in the breast tissue. If a fibroadenoma is growing or if new lumps are appearing, your doctor may recommend a biopsy or further imaging to ensure that there are no concerning changes.

Lastly, regarding your concern about the potential for a large fibroadenoma to spread or cause new lumps: Fibroadenomas are not cancerous and do not spread like malignant tumors. However, they can grow or change over time, and new fibroadenomas can develop. Regular monitoring is essential to manage these changes effectively.

In summary, while surgery for a fibroadenoma can have some impact on future breastfeeding and breast appearance, many women successfully breastfeed after surgery without significant issues. It is crucial to have open communication with your healthcare provider about your concerns and to follow their recommendations for monitoring and treatment. If you have any additional questions or worries, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for personalized advice and support.

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