Summary about Disease
Fibroadenomas are benign (non-cancerous) breast tumors that are most common in women between the ages of 15 and 35, but can occur at any age. They are typically round, smooth, firm, and rubbery lumps that move easily under the skin. They are made up of glandular and stromal (connective tissue) cells.
Symptoms
A firm, smooth, rubbery lump in the breast.
Lump is usually round with distinct borders.
Lump moves easily under the skin when touched.
Lump may be tender to the touch in some individuals.
Size can range from very small to several centimeters in diameter.
May change in size with menstrual cycle.
Usually painless
Causes
The exact cause is unknown, but fibroadenomas are thought to be related to hormones, particularly estrogen. They may develop in response to normal hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or hormone therapy.
Medicine Used
4. Medicine used Fibroadenomas generally don't require medical treatment. However, several options are available:
Observation: Many fibroadenomas require no treatment at all, especially if they are small and not causing any symptoms. Regular monitoring by a doctor is recommended.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to manage any associated pain or tenderness.
Surgical excision: If the fibroadenoma is large, growing rapidly, or causing discomfort, it may be surgically removed.
Cryoablation: This procedure involves freezing the fibroadenoma to destroy it.
Vacuum-assisted core biopsy: This technique can be used to remove the fibroadenoma non-surgically, by extracting tissue via a needle guided by ultrasound.
Is Communicable
No, fibroadenomas are not communicable. They are not caused by infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There aren't specific precautions to prevent fibroadenomas, as the exact cause is unknown. However, general breast health practices are recommended:
Regular self-exams: Become familiar with how your breasts normally feel to detect any changes.
Clinical breast exams: Get regular breast exams by a healthcare provider.
Mammograms: Follow recommended screening guidelines for mammograms based on age and risk factors.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet.
How long does an outbreak last?
Fibroadenomas are not considered an "outbreak" but rather a development of a benign tumor. The lump itself persists until it is either surgically removed, naturally regresses (sometimes happening on it's own), or treated by other methods. They can remain stable in size for years or even decrease over time.
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical breast exam: A doctor will physically examine the breast.
Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create an image of the breast tissue.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: A needle is used to remove a sample of cells from the lump for examination under a microscope.
Core needle biopsy: A larger needle is used to remove a tissue sample from the lump.
Timeline of Symptoms
9. Timeline of symptoms The appearance of fibroadenoma symptoms is usually gradual:
Initial discovery: Most women notice a lump during self-exam or clinical exam.
Growth: Some fibroadenomas remain stable in size, while others may slowly grow over time.
Fluctuations: Size can fluctuate slightly with the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes.
Long-term: The lump can remain for months, years or may spontaneously resolve.
Important Considerations
While fibroadenomas are benign, it's crucial to get any breast lump evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions, including breast cancer.
Regular follow-up appointments are important, especially if you choose observation as your management approach.
Atypical fibroadenomas, which are less common, may slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future.
Having a fibroadenoma does not significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor to make informed decisions about your care.