Fibroadenomas are solid and noncancerous breast lumps that mostly develop in women between the age group of 15 to 35. A fibroadenoma might feel smooth, firm, rubbery or hard and has a well-defined shape.
Usually, fibroadenomas are painless and vary in size and they can enlarge or shrink on their own. Fibroadenomas are considered among the most common noncancerous breast lumps in young women.
The treatment of fibroadenomas may include monitoring to detect changes in size or feel, a biopsy to evaluate the lump or surgery to remove it.
In some cases, fibroadenomas are too small to notice. Fibroadenomas are painless so you might not notice a lump until you are in the shower or during a self-breast exam. Other times, the doctor might detect it during a mammogram or ultrasound.
Fibroadenomas are solid breast lumps that are usually:-
- Painless
- Firm or rubbery
- Easily movable
- Round with distinct, smooth borders
You can have one or more fibroadenomas in one or both breasts. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately.
The actual cause of fibroadenomas is not known, but they might be related to reproductive hormones. In most cases, fibroadenomas occur in your reproductive years and can become bigger during pregnancy or with the use of hormone therapy. Fibroadenomas might also shrink after menopause when hormone levels decrease.
There are several types of fibroadenomas which include the following:-
- Complex fibroadenomas
- Juvenile fibroadenomas
- Giant fibroadenomas
- Phyllodes tumour
Most fibroadenomas do not increase the risk of breast cancer. However, in the case of complex fibroadenoma or a phyllodes tumour, the risk might increase slightly.
If you or your doctor notices a lump, the doctor performs imaging scans, including mammograms and or ultrasounds as well as an image-guided core needle breast biopsy.
Based on the diagnosis, your physical symptoms, family history, and personal concerns, you and your doctor can decide whether to remove fibroadenomas.
Fibroadenomas that don’t grow and are non-cancerous can be closely monitored with clinical breast exams and imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and mammograms.
The decision to remove fibroadenoma largely depends on the following:-
- If fibroadenoma impacts the natural shape of the breast
- If fibroadenoma causes pain
- If you are concerned about developing cancer
- If you have a family history of cancer
- If you receive questionable biopsy results
If fibroadenoma is removed, there is the possibility for one or more to grow in its place.
