Fibroadenoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{Fibroadenoma (patient information)}} | {{Fibroadenoma (patient information)}} | ||
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} | {{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{IO}} | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Fibroadenoma is a common breast mass | 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?== | ==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. | 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?== | ==What causes fibroadenoma?== | ||
The exact cause of fibroadenoma is unknown. It is believed that it may be related to the tissues in the breast being extra sensitive to the hormone estrogen. | 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?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
:* Women younger than 35 years | :* Women younger than 35 years | ||
:* Being overweight | :* Being overweight | ||
:* People who have had benign breast disease in the past | :* 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. | :* A family history of multiple fibroadenomas. This risk factor predisposes patients to developing multiple fibroadenomas. | ||
:* Taking oral contraceptives before the age of 20. | :* Taking [[Oral contraceptive|oral contraceptives]] before the age of 20. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==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: | 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) | * 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 | * Multiple masses in a few cases | ||
* The mass is usually rubbery and can move around. | * The mass is usually rubbery and can move around. | ||
* Difference in the size of one breast compared to the other. | * Difference in the size of one [[breast]] compared to the other. | ||
Tests may include: | 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 ultrasounds may be needed to check for changes in the mass. | * [[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. | ||
* Mammogram: A 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. | * [[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: 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. | * [[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?== | ==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== | ==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. | * 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 | * It is important to follow the advise of your health care provider regarding the management of fibroadenoma | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
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* The outcome of fibroadenoma is excellent with the survival rate being equal to that of the general population. | * 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. | * Most fibroadenomas resolve completely. This is very common in the adolescent population. | ||
* There is a slight chance of developing breast cancer. | * There is a slight chance of developing [[breast cancer]]. | ||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
* The probability of developing a life threatening complication is very low. | * The probability of developing a life-threatening complication is very low. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
* | * http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/. | ||
[[Category:Help]] | [[Category:Help]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:11, 2 October 2019
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Fibroadenoma |
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Fibroadenoma On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ifeoma Odukwe, M.D. [2]
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 cells) around the breast 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 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 lumps in one or both 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 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 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 ultrasounds may be needed to check for changes in the mass.
- Mammogram: A 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: 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.