Summary about Disease
Juvenile fibroadenomas are benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps that are most common in adolescent and young women, typically between the ages of 10 and 25. They are similar to fibroadenomas found in older women but tend to grow more rapidly and can become quite large. They are characterized by an overgrowth of glandular and stromal (connective) tissue within the breast.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is a palpable breast lump. This lump is usually:
Firm and rubbery
Smooth with well-defined borders
Painless (although some may experience tenderness)
Movable under the skin In some cases, the lump can grow quite large, causing asymmetry of the breasts or discomfort due to its size.
Causes
The exact cause of juvenile fibroadenomas is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to hormonal influences, particularly estrogen. The increased hormonal activity during puberty is believed to stimulate the growth of breast tissue, potentially leading to the formation of fibroadenomas in susceptible individuals.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine used to treat juvenile fibroadenomas. Since they are benign, the approach is typically observation. If the fibroadenoma is large, causing discomfort, or is rapidly growing, surgical removal (lumpectomy or excision) may be considered. In some cases, a core needle biopsy might be performed for confirmation of the diagnosis before surgery.
Is Communicable
No, juvenile fibroadenomas are not communicable. They are not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent juvenile fibroadenomas since the exact cause is unknown. Regular breast self-exams can help in early detection. Any new or changing breast lumps should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How long does an outbreak last?
Juvenile fibroadenomas are not an "outbreak," which is more applicable to infectious diseases. Once a fibroadenoma forms, it can persist until it is removed surgically or naturally regresses (which is less common with juvenile fibroadenomas). Its growth rate can vary. Some may remain stable in size, while others may grow rapidly over weeks or months.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical exam: A doctor will feel the breast lump and assess its characteristics.
Imaging: Ultrasound is often used to visualize the lump and surrounding tissue. Mammograms are less commonly used in adolescents due to breast density but may be considered in older teens.
Biopsy: A core needle biopsy or surgical excision biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms is variable. A person might:
Notice a lump suddenly.
Notice a gradual increase in lump size over weeks or months.
The lump might stay the same size once found. Because of the size it can get to and rate of growth, it can be found quickly.
Important Considerations
While juvenile fibroadenomas are benign, any breast lump in a young woman should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes.
Large or rapidly growing fibroadenomas may cause anxiety or cosmetic concerns.
Surgical removal can result in scarring.
Recurrence after surgical removal is possible, but uncommon.
Follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to monitor for any changes or new lumps.