Fibroadenoma is the most common benign tumor of the breast and the most common breast tumor in women under age 30.
A fibroadenoma is made up of breast gland tissue and tissue that helps support the breast gland tissue.
Black women tend to develop fibroadenomas more often and at an earlier age than white women. The cause of fibroadenomas is not known.
Symptoms
Fibroadenomas are usually single lumps, but about 10 - 15% of women have several lumps that may affect both breasts.
Lumps may be:
Easily moveable under the skin
Firm
Painless
Rubbery
They have smooth, well-defined borders. They may grow in size, especially during pregnancy. Fibroadenomas often get smaller after menopause (if a woman is not taking hormone replacement therapy).
Signs and tests
After a physical examination, one or both of the following tests are usually done:
A core needle biopsy may be done to get a definite diagnosis. Women in their teens or early 20s may not need a biopsy if the lump goes away on its own or if the lump does not change over a long period of time.
For more information on the different types of breast biopsies, see:
Treatment
If a biopsy shows that the lump is a fibroadenoma, the lump may be left in place or removed.
The decision to remove the lump is made by the patient and the surgeon. Reasons to have it removed include:
Abnormal biopsy results
Pain or other symptoms occur
Worry or concern about cancer
If the lump is not removed, your health care provider will watch to see if it changes or grows. This may be done using
Mammogram
Physical examination
Ultrasound
Sometimes, the lump may be destroyed without removing it, using freezing. This is called cryoablation.
Expectations (prognosis)
Women with fibroadenoma have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer later in life. Lumps that are not removed should be checked regularly by physical exams and imaging tests, following the doctor's recommendations.
Complications
If the lump is left in place and carefully watched, it may need to be removed at a later time if it changes or grows.
In very rare cases, the lump may be cancer. You may need further treatment.
0 comments:
Post a Comment