Fibroadenoma

A fibroid adenoma is the most common cause for a lump in young women, often between the ages of 15-30. In contrast to a cyst a fibroadenoma is a solid lump comprising, as the name suggests, swirls of fibrous tissue with occasional compressed breast ducts. Fibroadenomas are entirely painless, and once again they probably arise due to hormonal changes in the breast. As a consequence, the lump may arise in an area of the breast were there is already more generalised hormonal breast pain and tenderness giving the false impression that the lump is causing the pain. Fibroadenomas tend to slowly grow to around 1-2cm in diameter and then stop growing. Most women will first become aware of a fibroadenoma when it is already around this size and it is therefore most common for fibroadenomas to seem to stay approximately the same size and not to grow noticeably. Since they are solid lumps fibroadenomas generally do not disappear, although during pregnancy they may undergo noticeable changes resulting in either their disappearance or their progressive enlargement.

Fibroadenomas are entirely harmless and never turn into breast cancer. All fibroadenomas should however be carefully checked to prove their identity conclusively. Some fibroadenomas can feel very similar to small breast cancerous lumps, and although this is uncommon it is the reason why careful investigations, usually including an ultrasound and needle biopsy are very important. Once a lump has been shown to be definitely a fibroadenoma it is safe to leave. Alternatively a fibroadenoma can be removed by a small operation. A new treatment for fibroadenomas involves removal of the lump through a suction needle leaving only a pin point scar. Fibroadenomas that increase in size or that appear in any way abnormal on the ultrasound scan or needle test should be removed for safety sake.

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