Dear Dr. Roach: I had my first mammogram and was found to have a lesion. The mammographer said that I should follow up in six months with another mammogram and sonogram, but I have a grandmother who died of breast cancer. So, instead of waiting, I underwent a biopsy that showed a fibroadenoma.

What is it? Does it ever become cancerous? I also read that they are associated with being overweight. I did have bariatric surgery in the past.

— V.P.

Dear V.P.: A fibroadenoma is a benign breast mass. Most fibroadenomas are "simple" and do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. They do not need to be removed since they won't become cancer, but some women choose to remove them so that they won't have to worry about them, although this can cause a scar and some dimpling.

Complex fib

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