View source for Fibroadenoma (patient information)

__NOTOC__
{{Fibroadenoma (patient information)}}

{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{IO}}

==Overview==
Fibroadenoma is a very common [[benign]] [[breast]] mass. It can be seen in women of any age but it is mostly seen in adolescents and [[premenopausal]] women. It is mostly due to multiplication of some cells ([[Connective tissue|connective tissue cells]]) around the [[breast]] [[Tissue (biology)|tissue]]. A fibroadenoma is usually round to oval in shape, about 2 to 3 cm in size, and has a rubbery feel. It is mostly painless and moves around under the skin when touched/examined. A fibroadenoma commonly would reduce in size and disappear but, in some cases it may increase in size or remain unchanged. If it grows past 5cm, it becomes a giant fibroadenoma. Fibroadenoma is said to be associated with an increased sensitivity of the [[breast]] [[Tissue (biology)|tissue]] to [[estrogen]]. With this, it can increase in size during [[pregnancy]] or in those on [[hormone]] therapy. Because of the decrease in [[estrogen]] during [[menopause]], it can get smaller in [[postmenopausal]] women. It usually presents as a single [[lump]] in the [[breast]] but in a few patients, it can present as multiple [[Lump|lumps]] in one or both [[Breast|breasts]].

==What are the symptoms of fibroadenoma?==
Most people with fibroadenoma do not present with any symptoms. Majority of the time, people visit their health care provider due to a mass felt in the [[breast]]. But, some patients may present with [[breast]] pain and may notice a difference in the size of one [[breast]] compared to the other.

==What causes fibroadenoma?==
The exact cause of fibroadenoma is unknown. It is believed that it may be related to the [[Tissue (biology)|tissues]] in the [[breast]] being extra sensitive to the [[hormone]] [[estrogen]].

==Who is at highest risk?==

* Certain factors can predispose to the development of fibroadenoma. They include:
:* Women younger than 35 years 
:* Being overweight 
:* People who have had [[benign]] [[breast]] disease in the past
:* A family history of multiple fibroadenomas. This risk factor predisposes patients to developing multiple fibroadenomas.
:* Taking [[Oral contraceptive|oral contraceptives]] before the age of 20.

==Diagnosis==

In order for a physician to make proper diagnosis of fibroadenoma, a physical examination of the [[breast]] mass must be done. Some of the signs that may be seen include:
* A firm mass about 2 to 3 cm in size (can range from less than 1cm to greater than 10cm)
* Multiple masses in a few cases
* The mass is usually rubbery and can move around.
* Difference in the size of one [[breast]] compared to the other.

Tests may include:
* [[Ultrasound]]: After performing a physical examination, an [[ultrasound]] may be done to have a better view of the mass. It is commonly used in adolescents. Depending on the findings seen and the symptoms a patient presents with, the health care provider can decide to stop here or do more tests. If more tests aren't needed, serial [[Ultrasound|ultrasounds]] may be needed to check for changes in the mass.
* [[Mammography|Mammogram]]: A [[Mammography|mammogram]] can also be used as an imaging study in the diagnosis of fibroadenoma. It is not recommended to be used in women under the age of 30.
* [[Needle aspiration biopsy|Needle Aspiration]]: In certain situations, your health care provider may need to use a needle to make a [[biopsy]] of the [[breast]] mass. This is done in cases of a mass that's growing rapidly, patient [[anxiety]] about the mass despite reassurance, intense pain, cosmetic issues, and more.

==When to seek urgent medical care?==

* If you notice any changes in size of the [[breast]] mass, pain or change in the pain pattern, you should contact your health care provider.

==Treatment options==

* Because most fibroadenomas are expected to resolve overtime, they are managed conservatively with follow up that includes yearly [[breast]] examination and [[ultrasound]] if necessary. Those that do not completely resolve or do not change after the age of 35 are usually removed via [[surgery]].
* It is important to follow the advise of your health care provider regarding the management of fibroadenoma

==Prevention==

* So far, there are no studies to show the ways of preventing fibroadenoma.

==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?==

* The outcome of fibroadenoma is excellent with the survival rate being equal to that of the general population.
* Most fibroadenomas resolve completely. This is very common in the adolescent population.
* There is a slight chance of developing [[breast cancer]].

==Possible complications==

* The probability of developing a life threatening complication is very low.

==Sources==

* Put the sources for your information here.

* The National Library of Medicine is a good source to reference for patient information pages: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/.

==Things to Remember==
* Include a link back to the physician page at the top of the page.
* Always put <nowiki>{{CMG}}</nowiki> at the top of every page.
* Never take content directly from a source without checking copyright.
* Place your patient page in the patient information category as well as any other doctor categories the condition may fit into. To place a category onto a page, use the following code:
**<nowiki>[[Category:Patient information]]</nowiki>
* As with all WikiDoc pages, create hyperlinks for key words and diseases.  However, make sure that the hyperlinks link to other patient's information pages and not to regular WikiDoc pages.
** Example: Heart failure should be linked to <nowiki>[[Congestive heart failure (patient information)]]</nowiki> and not to <nowiki> [[Heart failure]]</nowiki>.

[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Templates]]

{{WikiDoc Help Menu}}
{{WikiDoc Sources}}
 [[Category:Up-To-Date]]
[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Medicine]]