Benign Phyllodes Tumor

I got a call this afternoon letting me know that the pathology from my biopsies on Friday do not appear to be cancer.

The lymph node biopsied in my left armpit was benign with reactive changes. So that is great news and a huge relief.

Last night I had trouble sleeping and started allow my mind to wander into the “what ifs.” I appreciate not having to wait any longer to hear this.

Unfortunately, the mass biopsied in the lower part of my left breast was classified as a low-grade fibroepithelial breast legion, favoring a phyllodes tumor.

They do think it is benign.

However, they recommend it be removed as it will continue to grow, and to try to keep it from local recurrence.

From what was explained to me, and after doing my own research, I understand phyllodes tumors to be fairly rare and rapid growing masses.

Some are benign, some are malignant, and some are borderline.

They can get rather large if they are not removed and can grow back, if enough tissue surrounding them are not removed. When and if they grow back, they can be malignant.

I will still have a bilateral breast MRI next week (between days 7 – 14 of my menstrual cycle) to try to determine is the small mass they were unable to pinpoint and biopsy on Friday is also benign.

The next step after that will be to meet with a specialized breast surgeon that I have been referred to, who mostly deals with breast cancer surgeries, but does also handle removing phyllodes tumors.

I am in the process of scheduling both the MRI and a consult with the breast surgeon. I have placed calls to arrange for both and am waiting to hear back and for orders and referrals to go through. With the MLK Jr. Holiday today, my OB/GYN’s office is closed. So I will check in there tomorrow to get some of this sorted out.

The surgery will likely take place in the next month or two.

In the mean time I will learn more about phyllodes tumors and determine if it makes sense to get a second opinion.

I don’t doubt that it makes sense to have it removed.

Rather I am digesting the news, which thankfully the ultrasound tech on Friday had somewhat prepared me for.

She gave me a heads up that there were other scenarios between “all clear” and “cancer.”

This diagnosis was one and the woman I spoke with today, who explained the pathology report. suggested the tech may have seen the “leaf-like appearance” of the mass, which can be indicative of a phyllodes (which is Greek for leaf-like) tumor.

So that is where I am today.

I am extremely thankful that the pathology for the biopsies done on Friday do not seem to be cancer.

I am still anxious to find out if the small mass that will be looked at through the MRI is benign.

And I am not looking forward to the outpatient surgery, including anesthesia, to remove this tumor.

That said, I am all for be proactive and continue to appreciate the kindness and good care I am receiving from the Advocate Breast Care Center doctors and staff.

Please continue to send your positive thoughts, prayers, love, and support this way.

I will share more about this experience as it plays out.

I believe that putting this out here is worthwhile, as I have done in the past with our journey through secondary infertility and loss.

Though phyllodes tumors are rare, breast care is important and much of what I am going through I am learning is very common. So many have reached out to me to affirm that.

Many thanks to those who have shared your experiences with mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, breast surgeries and even cancer.

We are not alone and if through sharing this here more of you are reminded of that, this is not in vain.

If writing and posting about my experience encourages more of you and your loved ones to be proactive, it is worth it.

I get that there are differing opinions on baselines for breast care these days.

I have read that some believe the medical community has gotten over zealous with their procedures and treatments in the name of breast health and cancer prevention/detection.

That is on my radar and something I intend to learn more about.

This is all still very new to and fresh for me.

As my first/baseline mammogram was not even two weeks ago.

I welcome anything you care to share, including your own experiences with breast care, surgeries, and when and if it makes sense to get second opinions.

Thanks again for reading, for your feedback, and support.

Update: My loved one, who was also anxiously awaiting test results, also got a “its NOT cancer” call today. YAY!!!