What is fibroadenoma?
Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumours commonly found in young
women. Fibroadenoma means a tumour composed of glandular (related
to gland) and fibrous (containing fibres) tissues. Breast
fibroadenomas, abnormal growths of glandular and fibrous tissues,
are most common between the ages of 15 and 30. They are found
rarely in postmenopausal women. Described as feeling like marbles,
these firm, round, movable, and rubbery lumps range from 1 cm-5 cm
in size. Giant fibroadenomas are larger, lemon-sized lumps.
Usually single, nearly 10-15% of women have more than one. While
some types of breast lumps come and go during the menstrual cycle,
fibroadenomas typically do not disappear after a woman's period,
and should be checked by a doctor.
What are the causes?
The cause of breast fibroadenomas is unknown. They may be
dependent upon oestrogen, because they are common in premenopausal
women, can be found in postmenopausal women taking oestrogen, and
because they grow larger in pregnant women.
How is the diagnosis made?
When the doctor takes a complete medical history, they will ask
when the lump was first noticed, if there were any symptoms or
changes in lump size, and if there is any personal or family
history of breast disease. The doctor thoroughly feels the
breasts. Tests are done, usually including mammography or
ultrasound scans, or surgical removal of cells or tissue for
examination under the microscope (biopsy).
Diagnostic tests include:
* Mammogram - an x-ray examination of the breast
* Ultrasound scan - a technique that uses sound waves to display a
two-dimensional image of the breast, showing whether a lump is
solid or fluid-filled (cystic)
* Fine-needle aspiration biopsy - a minor procedure wherein fluid
or cells are drawn out of the lump through a small needle
* Core biopsy - a procedure wherein a larger piece of tissue is
withdrawn from the lump through a larger needle
* Incisional biopsy - a surgical procedure wherein a piece of the
lump is removed through an cut or incision
* Excisional biopsy - a surgical procedure wherein the entire lump
is removed through an cut or incision
What are the symptoms?
Fibroadenomas usually cause no symptoms and may be discovered
during breast self-examination, or during a routine check-up.
What is the treatment?
Breast fibroadenomas are removed by lumpectomy, or surgical
excision under local or general anaesthesia. Sometimes lumps in
younger women are not removed but are monitored by
self-examination, yearly doctor check-ups, and mammograms. Surgery
is generally recommended for women over 30, and for lumps that are
painful or enlarging.
It is recommended to include a low-fat, high-fibre,
vegetarian-type diet, a reduction in caffeine intake,
supplementation with fish oil and vitamins E and C and the
application of hot compresses to the breast.
What is the prognosis?
Breast fibroadenomas are not cancerous. The lumps recur in up to
20% of women.
What is the prevention?
Breast fibroadenomas cannot be prevented. They can be discovered
early by regular breast self-examination.
Common Breast Lumps
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