Fibroadenoma of the Breast

Fibroadenoma of the Breast

Article
Women's Health
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBASep 11, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Breast Fibroadenoma

What is Fibroadenoma of the Breast? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Fibroadenoma of the Breast is a benign, non-cancerous tumor that forms in the breast. Typically the size of a marble, they are characterized by its firm and smooth shape, as well as their rubbery feel
  • Fibroadenomas consist of breast gland tissue and stromal, connective tissue. Believed to form due to increased sensitivity to estrogen, most fibroadenomas move in the breast with ease, and are painless
  • Breast Fibroadenomas are common in women; most times, women develop more than one fibroadenoma. They range in size from 1-3 cm. Although, any growth in their size is uncommon, they can get bigger, especially during pregnancy, or in breastfeeding mothers

Who gets Fibroadenoma of the Breast? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Typically, fibroadenomas do not develop into cancerous tumors and are thus, harmless to the body. While they do not require treatment, if they get too large in size or cause any discomfort, they may be surgically removed
  • Fibroadenoma of the Breast most commonly occurs in adolescent girls and women, under the age of 35 years. This may not be always the case, as fibroadenomas have been seen in older women too
  • A link has been found between the use of birth control pills and the development of fibroadenomas. Women, who began using birth control pills, before the age of 20 years, have a higher risk of developing fibroadenomas

What are the Risk Factors for Fibroadenoma of the Breast? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors of Fibroadenoma of the Breast include:

  • Estrogen therapy or other hormone therapies
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Use of birth control pills

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Fibroadenoma of the Breast? (Etiology)

  • Currently, why fibroadenomas develop in the breast, is not well understood
  • It is believed that fibroadenoma development is linked to reproductive hormone levels, in the body. This is because the highest incidence of fibroadenoma occurrence is typically during a woman’s reproductive years
  • The fact that fibroadenomas grow in size during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and shrink when menopause occurs, provides further evidence that links them to reproductive hormone levels

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fibroadenoma of the Breast?

Common signs and symptoms of Breast Fibroadenoma include:

  • Solid lumps in breast that are painless, with characteristics that include smoothness, roundness, easy travel within the breast, firmness, and having a rubbery feel
  • Increased lump size, during pregnancy or in breastfeeding mothers
  • Increased lump size, during hormone therapy

How is Fibroadenoma of the Breast Diagnosed?

Fibroadenoma of the Breast is typically detected first, during a physical examination. During this exam, the physician will check both the breasts for lumps and/or for other medical problems. If a lump is discovered, the physician will most likely recommend further tests, in order to determine the type of lump and to ensure that it is indeed, benign and not cancerous.

Such tests may include:

  • Mammogram (X-ray of the breast tissue) - if a fibroadenoma is present, it will appear as a smooth mass with round edges. Mammograms are usually performed, only in individuals over the age of 30 years
  • Breast ultrasound: If a fibroadenoma is present, it will appear as a solid mass instead of a fluid-filled mass. It is typically performed to characterize the breast lump, in individuals below the age of 30 years
  • Fine-needle aspiration: A thin needle is inserted into the breast lump; the needle is then used to withdraw material from the lump:
    • If fluid is removed, then the lump is most likely a cyst
    • If the tumor is solid, then the extracted cells are examined under the microscope, by a pathologist
  • Core needle biopsy: A larger needle is inserted into the lump to obtain tissue samples. This method is used to confirm that the lump is indeed a fibroadenoma and not breast cancer

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Fibroadenoma of the Breast?

Complications are typically uncommon in individuals with Fibroadenoma of the Breast.

  • Even though these breast lumps are tumors, due to their benign nature, they are not cancerous. They do not increase your risk of developing a breast cancer, unless a complex fibroadenoma is present.
    • A simple fibroadenoma is characterized as being uniform throughout
    • A complex fibroadenoma is characterized as containing not only breast tissue and connective tissue, but also other components like macrocysts, calcifications, etc.
  • During pregnancy or breastfeeding, reproductive hormone levels fluctuate more than normal. This may lead to an increase in size of the fibroadenomas. While, this is not harmful or painful to the body, it can be uncomfortable for some women

How is Fibroadenoma of the Breast Treated?

In most cases, Breast Fibroadenomas do not have to be treated, because the tumor is non-cancerous. It is not necessary to remove the tumor, unless it is exceptionally large, or causes discomfort to the individual.

  • If a physician does not consider it necessary to remove the lump, they will typically ask the individual to return for follow-up appointments, to monitor its growth. At this time, they will ensure that the tumor is not growing or becoming worse
  • However, if the fibroadenoma is to be removed, then a breast lumpectomy may be performed. Breast lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the breast lump, which may be done under a general anesthetic. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the skin of the breast and a hollow probe that is connected to a vacuum, inserted. The breast tissue is sucked through the probe, using vacuum, until the lump has been removed
  • Another fibroadenoma removal method is laser therapy, which involves the use of a laser to treat the lump
  • Sometimes, the fibroadenoma can be destroyed without removing it from the body, using cryoablation (the lump is frozen and destroyed)

How can Fibroadenoma of the Breast be Prevented?

  • Fibroadenoma of the Breast is difficult to prevent, because it is most likely caused by abnormal or fluctuating reproductive hormone levels
  • Since prevention is generally not possible, it is important to be aware of the risk factors of breast lumps. The individual must also regularly conduct breast self-exams, to ensure that any lumps are not present

What is the Prognosis of Fibroadenoma of the Breast? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • Breast Fibroadenomas are benign, non-cancerous tumors. They are painless and in almost all cases, will not become harmful or life-threatening
  • Since these tumors are non-cancerous, they do not have to be removed from the body, unless they are too large or cause discomfort. The treatment options for removing fibroadenomas, do not pose any risks and most individuals undergo a full recovery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Fibroadenoma of the Breast:

The following article links will help you understand breast cancer and breast biopsy by needle aspiration procedure.

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/
https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/
https://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/breast-biopsy-by-needle-aspiration/

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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