Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma is a very common benign breast condition diagnosed in most women.
The lump is usually firm and solid to touch and have a smooth surface. It is mobile and moves easily under the skin thus often called as breast mouse.
Fibroadeomas are usually formed within the breast lobules and developed due to hormonal changes in women during the menstrual cycle. Fibroadenomas are usually painless but may be tender or sensitive just before or during menses.
A biopsy-proven fibroadenoma is confirmed benign and will have no increase risk of breast cancer. A fibroadenoma can regress or increase in size over time. Recurrence of benign breast lumps can occur even after removal. Yearly screening is recommended.
However, some other solid mobile breast lumps may mimic the clinical presentation of fibroadenoma eg phylloides tumor and this may have an increase risk of breast cancer
Types of Fibroadenoma
- Simple Fibroadenoma – most simple fibroadenomas are about 1-3cm size
- Giant / Juvenile Fibroadenoma – lumps can grow up to more than 5cm size and commonly found in teenagers.
Investigation
- Breast Ultrasound – will show an oval well-defined margins of a solid mass
- FNAC (Fine Needle Cytology)
- US Guided Core / Trucut Biopsy
Management
Most biopsy-proven fibroadenomas can be left alone but some women would prefer it surgically removed as sometimes, it can increase in size.
Surgery
Excision Biopsy (Open Surgical Removal)
Fibroadenoma (size 4cm) removed via a periareolar incision
Vacuum Assisted Breast Biopsy(VABB)
Breast lump removed in strips of tissue via large bore needle from VABB
Links:
Fibroadenoma of the Breast by Moose & Doc Breast Cancer - Fibroadenoma by Breast Cancer Care
- Fibroadenomas of the Breast by American Cancer Society