Fibroadenoma

WHAT IS A FIBROADENOMA?

A fibroadenoma is a benign (non cancerous) breast lump that is made up of fibrous and glandular tissue.

• Fibro – fibrous tissue
• Adeno- pertaining to gland
• Oma – tumour

It is the most common solid lump found in young women. It can occur any time after puberty and is less likely to develop after menopause.

In most cases, only one fibroadenoma is found. Occasionally, there is more than one and sometimes they occur in both breasts.

Fibroadenomas vary in size and may grow over time but do not become malignant.

WHAT CAUSES FIBROADENOMAS?

The cause of fibroadenomas is unknown. Having a fibroadenoma does not increase ones risk of developing breast cancer.

HOW IS A FIBROADENOMA DIAGNOSED?

Your physician will take a thorough breast health and family history and then examine your breasts. Fibroadenomas feel rubbery- firm, much like a pea or grape. Because they do not anchor to surrounding breast tissues, fibroadenomas tend to move freely within the breast – because of this they are sometimes referred to as a ‘breast mouse’.

On exam fibroadenomas are usually painless. However, some women describe having more breast tenderness in the area over a fibroadenoma pre-menstrually.

Fibroadenomas are seen on mammogram or ultrasound as solid (not fluid-filled like a cyst would be), well-defined, smooth bordered lumps.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?

Your age, past history, how long you have had the lump, mammogram and ultrasound findings, any recent change in the size or shape of the lump and your anxiety level about having the lump are all considered when you and your physician plan treatment.

This may include:

Observation

A return visit to your physician for a repeat breast exam and repeat mammogram and/or ultrasound every 6 months may be all that is needed. Some lumps get bigger. Some studies have shown that approximately 50 percent of fibroadenomas disappear in several years.

Needle Biopsy

The physician may attempt to sample cells from the lump by doing a fine needle aspiration. Cells are studied to confirm a diagnosis of fibroadenoma.

Other physicians may recommend a core biopsy to obtain a sample of tissue to confirm the diagnosis.

Surgical Biopsy

Some women just prefer to have the entire lump removed by doing a simple surgical procedure. A woman intending to become pregnant may want the lump removed as they tend to grow during pregnancy. A surgeon may recommend the lump be removed if it appears to growing in size or if further study is needed after a needle biopsy.