What is fibroadenoma

Breast lumps are quite common. Every year in the UK, about 3 in every 100 women visit their GP regarding a problem with their breasts. Most breast lumps, about 9 out of 10, are benign (non-cancerous).

There are several different causes of benign (non-cancerous) lumps and breast pain, including the following:

• fibrocystic breast disease (fibroadenosis): a benign growth in the breast that causes lumpiness and tenderness, and is most common in pre-menopausal women (women who are still having periods)
• a fibroadenoma: a small tumour (growth) in the breast that is more common in young women, such as those in their twenties
• a cyst (fluid-filled lump): these are most common in pre-menopausal women and those who take hormone replacement therapy

Fibroadenoma

A fibroadenoma is a smooth, well-rounded solid lump (tumour) that sometimes develops outside the milk ducts. Milk ducts are the tiny tubes in the breast that carry milk.

Fibroadenomas are made up of fibrous and glandular tissue, which has a rubber-like texture and moves easily when touched. A fibroadenoma will sometimes disappear, but it can remain and grow larger, particularly during pregnancy.

Breast cyst

A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops within the breast tissue and may feel like a soft grape. Breast cysts are very common and normal. Cysts form as a natural part of the ageing of breast tissue and are most commonly found in women aged 35-50 years.

Cysts vary in size. Some can be very tiny, while others can grow up to several centimetres in diameter. Single or multiple cysts can occur in one or both breasts.

Cysts often do not cause any symptoms, although some women may experience pain, particularly if the cyst increases in size during the menstrual cycle. They do not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer developing.

Fibroadenosis

Fibrocystic breast disease, also known as fibroadenosis, is a term used to describe a group of benign (non-cancerous) conditions that affect the breast. The symptoms of fibroadenosis include:

• breast pain (mastalgia)
• breast enlargement
• lumpiness of the breast (nodularity), particularly just before or during a period

Fibroadenosis can develop in one or both breasts, or can affect just part of one breast. The symptoms can also vary significantly between women, with some women finding them slightly annoying and others finding them very painful. The pain and lumpiness will usually disappear after your period.

The cause of fibroadenosis is not well understood. However, it may be the result of the breast tissue responding abnormally to hormonal changes that occur with the menstrual cycle. 

nothing to worry (^^)