What is a fibroadenoma?
Fibroadenomas are the most common benign or non-cancerous tumor of the breast in young women. Fibroadenomas can occur in one or both breasts.
How is it caused?
The exact cause is not known; however, fibroadenomas occur more often during the reproductive years, can become bigger during pregnancy or with the use of hormone therapy, and might shrink after menopause, when hormone levels decrease.
Are there different types?
Yes, there are different types of fibroadenomas. The majority of fibroadenomas are benign (non-cancerous) and considered simple. These fibroadenomas do not have the ability to turn into cancer, and do not increase the patient’s life-time risk of developing breast cancer. These fibroadenomas may show slow growth over time. They do not need to be removed surgically, but sometimes the decision to surgically remove is made based on the size or for cosmetic reasons.
A small percentage of fibroadenomas will contain abnormal cells (atypical cells) identified by the pathologist after a biopsy. These cells are not cancerous, but they have the potential to become cancer. For this reason, complete surgical removal of the fibroadenoma is usually recommended.
Juvenile fibroadenomas are benign fibroadenomas which show rapid growth and can become quite large. These are most often found in younger women. On imaging these can look identical to a rare breast tumor called a Phyllodes tumor, which also show rapid growth. Unfortunately, Phyllodes tumors have the potential to turn into cancer. Therefore, any rapidly enlarging mass in the breast is recommended for biopsy.
What are common symptoms?
Fibroadenomas are solid breast lumps that are usually:
- Round with distinct, smooth borders
- Easily movable
- Firm or rubbery
- Painless
A fibroadenoma is suspected based on breast imaging. What are the next steps?
There are 2 options when a possible fibroadenoma is seen on imaging.
- If the mass is newly felt in the breast or if the mass is rapidly enlarging, a biopsy may be recommended. This will determine if the mass is a simple fibroadenoma or one of the other fibroadenomas discussed above which may need to be taken out surgically.
- If the mass is seen on imaging but is not palpable, imaging surveillance may be recommended
to ensure the mass does not grow rapidly. Biopsy may also be recommended depending on the imaging appearance.
How do I get my results?
After your study, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified radiologists. A final report will be sent to your doctor or healthcare provider, who can then discuss the results with you in detail.
Reports are also available on Radiology Ltd.’s patient portal.