Microglandular Adenosis of Breast

Microglandular Adenosis of Breast

Article
Women's Health
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHNov 23, 2018

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

  • Benign Microglandular Hyperplasia of Breast
  • Mammary Microglandular Adenosis
  • MGA of Breast

What is Microglandular Adenosis of Breast? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Microglandular Adenosis (MGA) of Breast is a rare and benign tumor of breast affecting the lobes in the breast tissue. There may be extensive involvement of the tissues by this benign tumor
  • There are many types of benign tumors known as adenosis of breast. Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is an infrequent subtype of adenosis of breast. Based upon its appearance under a microscope, it can cause diagnostic challenges for a pathologist, because microscopically it can resemble breast cancer
  • This type of tumor is observed in young women. The cause of Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is unknown, but the risk factors may include gender (women are affected more than men), the use of birth control pills, obesity, and one’s reproductive history
  • The signs and symptoms of Microglandular Adenosis of Breast may include the presence of a mass in the breast. Small-sized tumors may be asymptomatic and show no signs and symptoms
  • Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is indicative of a higher risk for breast cancer into the future. The degree of risk is dependent upon factors such as age of the individual, type of the tumor, and size of the tumor
  • Due to this, a complete surgical excision and removal of the entire tumor is recommended. Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is a benign tumor, and hence, its prognosis is excellent. Nevertheless, since MGA of Breast is associated with an increased risk for breast carcinoma, periodic checkups and screening mammograms are strongly advised

Who gets Microglandular Adenosis of Breast? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is an infrequently occurring benign tumor affecting young women
  • The age of presentation is usually between 20-40 years; older women may also be affected
  • All racial and ethnic groups are affected and no specific predilection is seen

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

The definitive risk factors for Microglandular Adenosis of Breast are not well-understood. However, the following risk factors increase one’s chances of getting benign breast tumors, and these include:

  • Gender: Women have a higher risk for developing the condition than men
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Menstrual cycle: Women who got their period before the age of 12 years, and those who reached menopause after age 55 have a higher risk. The longer the duration between menarche and menopause, the greater is the risk. This is due to hormonal influences during the reproductive period on the breast tissue
  • Postmenopausal hormone therapy: Women taking hormone replacement therapy medications containing both estrogen and progesterone for menopause, have a higher risk
  • Reproductive history: Having the first child after the age of 35, or never having a child
  • Birth control pills
  • Physical inactivity: A lack of physical exercise (leading a sedentary life) can increase one’s risk
  • Not breastfeeding the child

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 Microglandular Adenosis of Breast? (Etiology)

The exact cause of development of Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is currently not clearly understood.

  • Studies have shown that such tumors may be caused by hormonal influence
  • Certain gene mutations have also been reported in the tumors. Research is being performed to determine how these mutations contribute to the formation of the tumors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Microglandular Adenosis of Breast?

The signs and symptoms of Microglandular Adenosis of Breast may include:

  • A benign lump in a single breast; typically, only one breast is affected. However, such tumors can occur in both breasts simultaneously or sequentially (affecting one breast initially, and then the other after a certain period of time)
  • The breast lump is generally painless
  • Large tumor mass can be felt by touch
  • The size of the tumor may be between 3 to 4 cm

When a pathologist examines the tumor under a microscope, the tumor usually has irregular margins. The findings may resemble a breast cancer, and hence, a careful examination is necessary.

How is Microglandular Adenosis of Breast Diagnosed?

Microglandular Adenosis of Breast may be diagnosed in the following manner:

  • Complete physical examination with comprehensive medical and family history evaluation
  • Breast exam to check for any lumps or unusual signs in the breasts
  • Mammogram: A mammogram uses x-rays to provide images of the breast. These benign tumors are identified as a mammogram mass, which may or may not be associated with microcalcification. The mammography findings may raise enough suspicion to warrant a tissue biopsy
  • Breast ultrasound scan: Using high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the breast, the type of tumor, whether fluid-filled cyst or solid mass type, may be identified
  • Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the breast
  • Breast biopsy:
    • A biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
    • Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
    • Sometimes, the pathologist may perform additional studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains and molecular studies to assist in the diagnosis

Biopsies are the only methods used to determine whether an abnormality is benign or cancerous. These are performed by inserting a needle into a breast mass and removing cells or tissues, for further examination. There are different types of biopsies:

  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of breast mass: In this method, a very thin needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue. FNAB cannot help diagnose definitively Microglandular Adenosis of Breast. It only helps determine if the tumor is malignant or benign. This can help the healthcare provider discuss and plan the next steps (with respect to diagnosis and treatment)
  • Core needle biopsy of breast mass: A wider needle is used to withdraw a small cylinder of tissue from an abnormal area of the breast
  • Open tissue biopsy of breast mass: A surgical procedure used less often than needle biopsies, it is used to remove a part or all of a breast lump for analysis

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 Microglandular Adenosis of Breast?

There may not be any significant complications of Microglandular Adenosis of Breast; however, the following may be noted:

  • Abnormal findings on the mammogram may cause emotional distress for breast cancer, until a definitive diagnosis is made
  • Studies indicate that these benign lesions have an increasing risk for cancer (into the future)
  • Transformation of the benign tumor to invasive carcinomas have been observed
  • The tumor may recur following an incomplete surgical removal

How is Microglandular Adenosis of Breast Treated?

The following treatment methods for Microglandular Adenosis of Breast may be considered:

  • A simple surgical excision and removal of the entire Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is normally sufficient treatment. It is the recommended treatment due to association of the tumor with malignancy and recurrence potential
    • The surgical procedure performed is known as a breast lumpectomy. It 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 
  • In case of a malignant transformation of the benign tumor, a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy treatment procedures may be performed
  • Follow-up care with frequent breast self-examinations and screening mammograms may be recommended by the healthcare provider

How can Microglandular Adenosis of Breast be Prevented?

Microglandular Adenosis of 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 regularly conduct breast self-exams, to ensure that no lumps are present
  • Maintain a healthy body weight and exercise regularly
  • Implement and follow a well-balanced diet; a high intake of fiber via fresh fruits and vegetables helps in a healthy lifestyle
  • Drink alcohol in moderation; limit to one or (maximum) two drinks a day
  • Limit combination hormone therapy used to treat symptoms of menopause. It is advised that individuals be aware of the potential benefits and risks of hormone therapy

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

  • The prognosis of Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is generally excellent on a complete surgical excision and removal of the tumor. In rare cases, there is a risk of recurrence though
  • In general, Microglandular Adenosis of Breast is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer into the future. A healthcare provider will assess the risk depending on the combination of each individual’s risk factors
  • Periodic follow-up check-ups with screening is required

Additional and Relevant Useful Information Microglandular Adenosis of Breast:

The following DoveMed website links are useful resources for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/womens-health/

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!