Fibroadenoma

A fibroadenoma is a noncancerous, solid breast lump made of glandular and connective tissue. It is most commonly found during the reproductive years, although it can occur at other ages. A fibroadenoma breast lump may feel smooth and mobile, but a new breast lump should still be assessed by a healthcare professional, even when a benign cause is likely.

The exact cause of fibroadenomas is not known. However, these lumps may respond to estrogen and other reproductive hormones, which can affect their size or cause tenderness. This hormone sensitivity may help explain why fibroadenomas are more common during the reproductive years.

A fibroadenoma may grow or become more tender during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or hormone treatment. These changes do not by themselves mean that the lump is cancerous, but any change should be reported and evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Clinical breast examination

During a clinical breast examination, the clinician assesses the lump’s size, shape, firmness, and mobility, as well as the surrounding breast tissue and any changes over time. They may also examine the other breast and the lymph nodes near the armpit.

Breast ultrasound can help characterize a lump and the surrounding tissue. Diagnostic mammography may also be appropriate, depending on your age, symptoms, examination findings, and usual clinical guidance.

A core needle biopsy may be recommended if the examination or imaging is not clearly benign, if the lump grows or changes, or if confirmation is needed. A pathologist examines the tissue, and the pathology result provides the diagnosis.

Monitoring a stable lump

When examination, imaging, and any biopsy are reassuring, observation with scheduled clinical or imaging follow-up is often recommended. The follow-up plan depends on the lump’s features, your age, symptoms, and the clinician’s assessment.

Removal may be considered for a rapidly enlarging, large, painful, bothersome, recurrent, or diagnostically uncertain lump. Your clinician should discuss the possible benefits, surgical risks, scarring, and alternatives before a decision is made.

Some fibroadenomas shrink or remain stable over time, while others can grow during hormonal changes. Follow your individualized monitoring plan rather than repeatedly checking the lump at home, which may increase worry or tenderness.

Fibroadenomas are benign and often remain stable or shrink over time. After a confident diagnosis, treatment is frequently unnecessary, although some people may choose or be advised to have a lump removed because of symptoms, growth, or uncertainty.

A person can develop more than one fibroadenoma or notice another breast lump later. Every new or changing lump should be assessed rather than assumed to be the original breast fibroadenoma.