Ashlee Holmes Malleo Opens Up About a Recent Health Scare

Ashlee Holmes Malleo has taken to Instagram to share some insight into a recent health scare she faced.

The daughter of The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Jacqueline Laurita shared an emotional post that detailed her experience after a lump was found in one of her breasts. In addition to opening up about the experience and what she learned from it, Ashlee confirmed that the results came back negative for breast cancer and that she was diagnosed with fibroadenoma.

"Quick PSA on taking care of your own health: I was waiting for my results before sharing this story on my social media. SO... on the 4th I went in for a typical well visit with my gyno. The thing is, I haven’t been to a gyno since my son was about 6 months old (he’s now 4 + 1/2 years old). I was a little nervous for my pap because it had been so long. Anyway, while I was there my doctor discovered a lump in my breast. I wasn’t even thinking of my breasts when I went in there! She showed me how to feel for it, and informed me that I do in fact have dense breasts. Breast cancer does run in my family, so it was pretty unsettling to me that she found a lump. They scheduled me for a mammogram as well as an ultrasound. (If you have dense breasts like me, ultrasound is much more helpful)," she wrote. 

"After my mammogram [and] ultrasound, the doctor said I could either come back in a few months and they could see if it had changed, or go ahead with a biopsy to be safe. We decided on the biopsy. I went in for my ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy last Thursday, and they took 3 samples. Today, I received my results. IT CAME BACK NEGATIVE! It’s a fibroadenoma, which is benign. Although I’m still going to be seeing a breast specialist to follow up and discuss possibly removing it... I feel SO relieved," she shared along with a photo from a doctor's visit.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Fibroadenomas are solid, noncancerous breast lumps that occur most often in women between the ages of 15 and 35. A fibroadenoma might feel firm, smooth, rubbery or hard and has a well-defined shape. Usually painless, it might feel like a marble in your breast, moving easily under your skin when examined. Fibroadenomas vary in size, and they can enlarge or shrink on their own. Fibroadenomas are among the most common noncancerous (benign) breast lumps in young women. Treatment might include monitoring to detect changes in size or feel, a biopsy to evaluate the lump or surgery to remove it."

Ashlee, who now lives with son Cameron in Nevada near mom Jacqueline following her split last year from husband Pete Malleo, opened up a bit more about the recent health scare on Instagram and how she feels about taking better care of herself today.

"I’m so grateful for my results, but I know others haven’t been as lucky. Saying a very special prayer for all of them and their loved ones tonight. And if you’ve been looking for a sign to #checkyourboobs ...this is it. I learned a very important lesson about self-care and just how quickly something so life changing could happen. I know there’s been so much anxiety and news about Covid, but don’t forget there are other things out there too. Stay on top of your health! You deserve it. Take care of yourselves everyone! Wishing you all health [and] vitality," she wrote alongside a video of her and Pete giving their son a kiss.