What is Fibroadenoma? What are the symptoms?
Fibroadenoma is a benign (non-cancerous) breast tumor that is commonly found in young women. It is a type of breast lump that is made up of glandular and fibrous tissue. Fibroadenomas are usually painless and can be felt as a smooth, firm, and rubbery mass in the breast tissue. They are usually round or oval in shape and can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Fibroadenomas are the most common type of breast tumor in women under the age of 30. They are more common in women who have not yet reached menopause, but they can occur at any age. Fibroadenomas are not usually associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, but they can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from cancerous tumors. Therefore, it is important to have any breast lump evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Fibroadenoma
The most common symptom of fibroadenoma is the presence of a breast lump. The lump is usually painless and can be felt as a smooth, firm, and rubbery mass in the breast tissue. Fibroadenomas can occur in one or both breasts and can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Other symptoms of fibroadenoma may include:
1. Breast pain or tenderness: Fibroadenomas can sometimes cause breast pain or tenderness, especially if they are large or located near the surface of the breast.
2. Changes in breast size or shape: Fibroadenomas can sometimes cause changes in the size or shape of the breast, especially if they are large or located near the surface of the breast.
3. Nipple discharge: Fibroadenomas can sometimes cause nipple discharge, which may be clear, yellow, or bloody.
4. Skin changes: Fibroadenomas can sometimes cause changes in the skin overlying the breast lump, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.
Diagnosis of Fibroadenoma
If you notice a breast lump or other symptoms of fibroadenoma, it is important to see a healthcare provider for evaluation. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to help diagnose the breast lump.
If the imaging tests suggest that the breast lump is a fibroadenoma, your healthcare provider may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the breast lump and examining it under a microscope. This can help determine whether the breast lump is benign or cancerous.
Treatment of Fibroadenoma
Most fibroadenomas do not require treatment and can be monitored over time with regular breast exams and imaging tests. However, if the fibroadenoma is causing symptoms or is growing rapidly, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment.
Treatment options for fibroadenoma may include:
1. Observation: If the fibroadenoma is small and not causing symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring it with regular breast exams and imaging tests.
2. Surgery: If the fibroadenoma is large, causing symptoms, or growing rapidly, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove it. This is usually done under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
3. Cryoablation: Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy the fibroadenoma. This is done under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
4. Medications: In some cases, medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene may be used to shrink the fibroadenoma.
Conclusion
Fibroadenoma is a common benign breast tumor that is usually found in young women. It is a type of breast lump that is made up of glandular and fibrous tissue. Fibroadenomas are usually painless and can be felt as a smooth, firm, and rubbery mass in the breast tissue. They are not usually associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, but they can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from cancerous tumors. Therefore, it is important to have any breast lump evaluated by a healthcare provider. Treatment options for fibroadenoma may include observation, surgery, cryoablation, or medications.
