Kim,

I'm speaking primarily from personal experience and knowledge gained through
that.  My understanding that the diagnosis would be made via biopsy to rule
out carcinoma.  Fibroadenomas are, in simple terms, just fibrous tissue.
The location of mine causes plugged ducts if I am not careful about draining
the breast when the baby's not nursing as much on that side.  I've had the
diagnosis (by aspiration to rule out a cyst, followed by needle biopsy while
breastfeeding) for about 7 1/2 years now.  Second and third opinions gave me
confidence in waiting until my breastfeeding career is finished to have it
removed and, even then, it will be up to me.  I realize that tumor
information is constantly changing and that there may be some evidence that
is strong enough to say "remove it", based on her particular diagnosis and
situation.  *Even if* I had it removed tomorrow, I would not wean my child.
Even if she cold-turkey weans today, she may have milk in that breast for
months.  "Worst case" scenario would be to dry up on the side with the
fibroadenoma and nurse exclusively on the other.  Meanwhile, I keep the
affected breast drained, take lecithin like crazy for my personal tendency
to plugged ducts and make sure that I enact early measures to prevent
mastitis when I find myself set up for that.

Again, this is not the literature review on the subject, but my personal
experience and decisions after doing the literature search.  One article
that is simple enough for most non-healthcare professional mothers is found
at:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVDecJan03p136.html

Can't type great with one hand and need to drain that "affected breast"
right now! <g>

Rebecca DeYoung Daniels, MBA, RD, LD, IBCLC *and* MOM to 5

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