Fibroadenoma is a very common noncancerous tumor of the breast which often presents lump that moves when touched. Although this can occur in women of any age group, it appears to affect women under the age of 30. However, women with fibroadenoma have the chance of developing breast cancer later in life.
Causes
Although the exact cause of fibroadenoma is not known, it can be associated with genetic factor and reproductive hormones. The fibroadenomas can develop among women in their reproductive years or can enlarge in size with the use of hormonal therapy. The breasts are made up of ducts and lobules that are surrounded by the glandular, fatty tissue. The fibroadenomas develop from the lobules of the breast and when the surrounding tissue and ducts grow over the lobule, it creates the lump.
Symptoms
Fibroadenomas are the masses that appear to be round, rubbery or firm that tend to move easily when touched. A woman can have one or several fibroadenomas that vary from a small size that may not be felt to around 3 inches or more in diameter. The various types of fibroadenoma include simple fibroadenomas that are around 1-3 cms in size, complex fibroadenoma that appears to have different features when examined under the microscope and giant or juvenile fibroadenoma which can grow more than 5 cm while those that develop among the teenage girls are known as the juvenile fibroadenomas.
Diagnosis
When a lump in the breast is identified, it is important to get a medical evaluation by the specialist. In younger women, the fibroadenoma may be identified with a breast examination and an ultrasound. However, women who are over the age of 40 may be required to have an ultrasound. Depending on the characteristics of the lump, additional diagnostic tests may be required which can include mammography. A biopsy may be necessary in some of the cases that help in obtaining a definite diagnosis. The biopsy may not be necessary among women in their early 20s or if the lump remains unaltered or it shrinks.
Treatment
Once fibroadenoma is confirmed, most cases do not require any treatment. However, it will be monitored with ultrasound and mammogram to evaluate if any changes in size occur. Most of the fibroadenomas do not grow in size and tend to shrink over time. However, they can grow during pregnancy, when taking hormonal replacement therapy and with breastfeeding. A fibroadenoma may be removed when it presents additional symptoms such as pain, individual’s concern about cancer or if the biopsy results appear abnormal. A procedure known as excision biopsy can remove the fibroadenoma when it is large or can be destroyed without the removal by the process of cryoablation that freezes the lump.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007216.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibroadenoma/basics/treatment/con-20032223
