Sometimes you may feel a lump in your breast and feel worried. It's normal to feel scared when you feel something like that, because we've all heard about breast cancer. But the good news is, not all lumps in the breast are cancerous . Today we're going to talk about a type of lump that many women, especially young women, get, but it's not dangerous. This is what we call a fibroadenoma.
What is this fibroadenoma?
Simply put, a fibroadenoma is a benign , non-cancerous lump in the breast. Think of it like a small, smooth, round, firm lump that forms inside your breast. It is made up of fibrous tissue and glandular tissue. Most of the time, these are not cancerous. However, very rarely , a fibroadenoma can contain cancer cells. That is why it is important to see a doctor if you notice any new changes or lumps in your breast.
The best part is that most fibroadenomas will shrink over time or disappear completely without any treatment . Your doctor may monitor the lump for a period of time (watchful waiting), which means they will wait to see if it changes. Or, they may recommend surgical removal if necessary.
Are there types of fibroadenoma?
Yes, there are two main types of fibroadenoma. Let's see what they are.
Simple Fibroadenoma
These are the most common types . They are usually small in size. These types of lumps do not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. If a doctor takes a small piece of it and looks at it under a microscope, the cells in that tissue will all look uniform.
Complex Fibroadenoma
This type is usually seen more often in women over 35. It can also be slightly larger than a simple fibroadenoma. When viewed under a microscope, your doctor can see slight changes in the cells (not the same as a simple fibroadenoma). Your mammogram may also show calcifications or fluid-filled cysts around the lump. Importantly, compared to women who do not have any lumps in their breasts, women with this type of complex lump may have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. About 15% of all fibroadenomas are of this type.
There are several other types, but they are seen less frequently:
- Giant Fibroadenoma: As the name suggests, these are fibroadenomas that grow larger than 5 centimeters (about 2 inches).
- Juvenile Fibroadenoma: These are a type that develop in children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 18. These are also very rare.
How common are these lumps?
In fact, noncancerous breast lumps, including fibroadenomas, are very common . Fibroadenomas are the most common type of lump . They usually appear between the ages of 15 and 35. Some studies suggest that up to 10% of women will develop a fibroadenoma at some point in their lives. So, if you have one, you're not alone!
What are the symptoms of this?
Fibroadenomas are solid lumps (not filled with fluid, like small pebbles) that can develop in one or both breasts. They are usually painless . They move easily under the skin if you push around the breast. Think of it like a marble moving under the skin. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a golf ball (usually about 2-3 centimeters).
A fibroadenoma may look like this:
- Round or oval in shape, with clear boundaries (you can feel the edge of the lump when you feel it).
- The surface is smooth.
- It feels hard or rubbery to the touch.
You may feel that the lump is a little painful or tender a few days before your period starts. Larger fibroadenomas are more likely to cause pain than smaller lumps.
Fibroadenomas grow very slowly . But they don't always get bigger, and some can even shrink. This is especially true if you're young or have gone through menopause. However, fibroadenomas can sometimes get bigger during pregnancy, because of hormonal changes during that time.
Why do these occur?
Doctors still don't know exactly why some women develop fibroadenomas and others don't. However, many believe that it may be due to the body's sensitivity to the female hormone estrogen . Fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy or hormone therapy (when estrogen levels are high). They also tend to shrink after menopause (when estrogen levels are low). This suggests that hormones may be involved.
Fibroadenoma grows in areas of your breast tissue called lobules. Lobules are the glands that produce milk during lactation.
Who is more likely to develop these? (Risk Factors)
Fibroadenomas are most common in women between the ages of 15 and 35. However, any woman who menstruates can develop them. They tend to develop less frequently as you approach menopause. Some studies have found that women of African descent (Black women) are slightly more likely to develop fibroadenomas than other people .
What complications can come from this?
Most fibroadenomas are not life-threatening or cancerous . That's the important thing. However, they can grow larger, change in appearance, or become painful over time. As with any breast condition, regular breast exams or mammograms are the best way to prevent complications. While breast conditions can sometimes be prevented, early detection can reduce the risk of complications from these conditions.
How does the doctor recognize this? (Diagnosis)
If you feel a lump or change in your breast , don't delay, and don't be afraid to see a doctor . Some fibroadenomas are so small that they can't be felt, and they may be found incidentally during a scan done for something else. If you or your doctor finds a lump, your doctor may do the following tests to determine exactly what kind of lump it is:
- Imaging scans: These mainly include mammograms (especially if you are over 40) and ultrasounds (which can be done at any age). These scans can look at things like the shape of the lump, its size, and whether it is solid or liquid.
- Image-guided core needle breast biopsy: This may sound a little scary, but it's a very important test. This involves using an ultrasound to help numb the area, inserting a small needle into the lump, and taking a small sample of tissue . It's then sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope. This is the only way to tell with 100% certainty whether the lump is a fibroadenoma, something else, or cancer.
What are the treatments for this?
Some fibroadenomas shrink or disappear without treatment . If the biopsy confirms that the lump is not cancerous, your doctor will probably recommend follow-up appointments (usually every three to six months, sometimes once a year) to check for any changes in the lump. This may include manual breast exams, ultrasound, or mammograms.
Sometimes, a doctor will recommend surgical excision of a fibroadenoma. This is what happens:
- If the doctor has doubts about the results of imaging tests or biopsy.
- If the lump is causing pain.
- If the lump is very large (e.g. Giant Fibroadenoma).
- If the lump continues to grow.
- Or, if it's mentally distressing for you to keep that lump.
The most common method is to cut out the lump and remove it. Another method is to freeze (very cold) the fibroadenoma and destroy it using a procedure called cryoablation . However, this method is not used very often by doctors.
Imagine, Niluka was very scared when she saw a small lump in her breast. She thought it might be cancer. But when she quickly saw a doctor and had it examined, she found out that it was a fibroadenoma. The doctor said it wasn't dangerous, let's watch it for now, and if necessary, we can remove it later. Niluka felt a great sense of relief. Many people have had similar experiences.
Can fibroadenoma recur?
Yes, it is possible to have more than one fibroadenoma . It is possible for another one to develop in a different location after one is removed. That is why it is important to be aware of how your breasts normally feel. If you notice any new lumps in your breasts, you should let your doctor know.
Should this fibroadenoma be removed?
A doctor may recommend removing a fibroadenoma if it is large, painful, or has suspicious features based on biopsy results . However, this is not always the case. Many fibroadenomas simply shrink or disappear without any treatment.
What happens if left untreated?
A small, benign fibroadenoma usually does not cause any problems if left untreated. Your doctor is the best person to decide whether a fibroadenoma needs to be removed or if it is best to monitor its changes . It is important to ask your doctor any questions you have about your treatment plan.
Are there ways to prevent these?
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to reduce your risk of developing fibroadenomas because we still don't know exactly why they develop. However, it is a good idea to take these steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer :
- Do regular breast self-exams. Feel your breasts at least once a month to check for any new lumps or changes.
- See your primary care provider or gynecologist every year for clinical breast examinations.
- Get regular mammograms (usually starting at age 40, but your doctor may recommend earlier if you are at high risk).
- If you drink alcohol, it is best to do so in moderation, or to stop drinking altogether.
- If you smoke, stop.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight that suits you.
What happens if I have a fibroadenoma?
Keep in mind that most women with fibroadenomas or other noncancerous breast conditions will not develop breast cancer. However, it is important to get screened according to the screening schedule recommended by your doctor and to report any changes in your breasts .
Can a fibroadenoma become cancerous?
It is very rare for a fibroadenoma to become cancerous. That means the chances are very low. However, you should continue to be aware of any new lumps or changes in your breast tissue. The best way to spot suspicious changes is to be aware of how your breasts feel.
When should you be concerned about a fibroadenoma? When should you see a doctor?
Try not to be too scared of a fibroadenoma. These are rarely cancerous, and most can be treated without causing any problems. Your doctor is there to answer any questions you may have and to ease your fears.
Having a fibroadenoma rarely increases your risk of cancer (although there may be a slight increase in the complex type). However, it's a good idea to get breast cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor just to be sure.
If you experience anything like this , definitely talk to a doctor:
- If a lump in the breast changes (shape, size) or gets bigger .
- If there are painful lumps (if one that didn't hurt before now hurts).
- If you find a new lump in your breast .
- If there is any discharge (blood, non-milky fluid) coming from the nipple , or if there is a rash or skin change on the nipple.
What questions should I ask my doctor about a fibroadenoma?
If your doctor tells you that you have a fibroadenoma, don't be afraid to ask any questions you have. For example:
- What is the best treatment for me? Should I remove this, or can I wait?
- How do I tell the difference between a noncancerous breast lump and a cancerous breast lump?
- How often should I have a mammogram or other breast exams?
- Does this fibroadenoma put me at increased risk of developing breast cancer?
- What symptoms should I be especially aware of?
Final Take-Home Message
It's normal to feel scared when you find a lump in your breast, but remember, most lumps in the breast are not cancer . Once you know what a noncancerous fibroadenoma feels like, you can quickly recognize suspicious changes and identify new noncancerous lumps. Most women with fibroadenoma don't need treatment. Some lumps go away on their own.
However, if you notice a new lump, never assume, "This could be a fibroadenoma, it's not dangerous" without getting it checked out! It's always wise to see a doctor to make sure. Paying attention to your breasts is the biggest help you can do.
` Fibroadenoma, Breast Lumps, Non-cancerous, Women's Health, Mammogram, Biopsy, Breast Exam
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