Breast – Fibroadenoma / Cyst

What is a breast fibroadenoma/cyst?
Simple fibroadenomas are benign solid tumors containing glandular and fibrous tissue.
Simple cysts are fluid filled round or oval lumps.
This procedure will involve the removal of a breast lump which is sent to pathology for testing.

What are the risks of this specific procedure?
There are risks and complications with this procedure.
They include but are not limited to the following:

General risks:

Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
Death as a result of this procedure is possible.

Special risks:

Bruising may occur around the operation site.
There may be a depression in the breast at the site of the excised lump.
Scarring may pull the nipple out of shape.
The scar may be thickened and red coloured, and it may be painful.
The pathologist may be asked to test the lump for malignancy. Sometimes the initial test – the frozen section done at the time of the operation – may miss malignancy. The Pathologist always does a second section to double check. This takes a few days to come back. Further surgery may be necessary.
Increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.