What is Fibroadenoma of The Breast?
A fibroadenoma is a benign tumor in the breast that’s commonly found in women under the age of 30. It is commonly seen as a lump in the breast that moves when it is touched.
African-American women are more likely to develop these tumors.
The tumor consists of breast tissue and stromal, or connective, tissue. Fibroadenomas can occur in one or both breasts.
Types of Fibroadenomas
There are two types of fibroadenomas: simple fibroadenomas and complex fibroadenomas.
The simple tumors don’t increase breast cancer risk and look the same all over when viewed under a microscope.
The complex tumors contain other components such as macrocysts, fluid-filled sacs large enough to feel and to see without a microscope. They also contain calcifications, or calcium deposits.
Complex fibroadenomas can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society states that women with complex fibroadenomas have approximately one and a half times greater risk of developing breast cancer than women with no breast lumps.
Fibroadenomas in children
Juvenile fibroadenoma is extremely rare and generally classified as benign. When fibroadenomas do occur, girls are more likely to develop them. Because it’s rare, the outlook for children with fibroadenoma is difficult to summarize.
What Does a Fibroadenoma Feel Like?
Some fibroadenomas are so small they can’t be felt. When you’re able to feel one, it’s very distinct from the surrounding tissue. The edges are clearly defined and the tumors have a detectable shape.
They’re movable under the skin and typically not tender. These tumors often feel like marbles, but may have a rubbery feel to them.
Causes of Fibroadenoma of The Breast
It’s unknown exactly what causes fibroadenomas. Hormones such as estrogen may play a part in the growth and development of the tumors. Taking oral contraceptives before the age of 20 has been associated with a higher risk of developing fibroadenomas as well.
These tumors may grow larger in size, particularly during pregnancy. During menopause, they often shrink. It’s also possible for fibroadenomas to resolve on their own.
Some women have reported that avoiding foods and drinks that are stimulants — like tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and coffee — have improved their breast symptoms.
Even though this is worth trying, there are no studies that have scientifically established a link between ingesting stimulants and improving breast symptoms.
Diagnosis of Fibroadenomas
A physical examination will be conducted and your breasts will be palpated (examined manually). A breast ultrasound or mammogram imaging test may also be ordered.
A breast ultrasound involves lying on a table while a handheld device called a transducer is moved over the skin of the breast, creating a picture on a screen. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast taken while the breast is compressed between two flat surfaces.
A fine needle aspiration or biopsy may be performed to remove tissue for testing. This involves inserting a needle into the breast and removing small pieces of the tumor.
The tissue will then be sent to a lab for microscopic examination to determine the type of fibroadenoma and if it’s cancerous.
Treatment of Fibroadenomas
If you receive a fibroadenoma diagnosis, it doesn’t necessarily have to be removed. Depending on your physical symptoms, family history, and personal concerns, you and your doctor can decide whether to have it removed.
Fibroadenomas that don’t grow and are definitely not cancerous can be closely monitored with clinical breast exams and imaging tests, such as mammograms and ultrasounds.
The decision to have a fibroadenoma removed typically depends on the following:
- if it impacts the natural shape of the breast
- if it causes pain
- if you’re concerned about developing cancer
- if you have a family history of cancer
- if you receive questionable biopsy results
If a fibroadenoma is removed, it’s possible for one or more to grow in its place.
Treatment options for children are similar to those followed for adults, but the more conservative route is favored.
Living with Fibroadenoma
Due to the slightly increased risk of breast cancer, you should have regular checkups with your doctor and schedule regular mammograms if you have fibroadenomas.
You should also make breast self-exams a regular part of your routine. If there are any changes in the size or shape of an existing fibroadenoma, call your doctor right away.