Fibroadenoma

A fibroadenoma is a benign (noncancerous) proliferation of cells found in the breast. They are the most common type of solid breast mass in women under the age of 30. Fibroadenomas usually feel like a firm, rubbery, moveable lump and are composed of a mixture of glandular and fibrous tissue. They typically occur in a single lump, but may involve several lumps in different parts of the breast. Fibroadenomas are usually asymptomatic, but may be painful due to stretching of the overlying skin. They can vary in size from 1 cm to over 5 cm in diameter, and can grow over time, although this is rare. Fibroadenomas typically occur in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, but can occur anywhere in the breast. Diagnosis of fibroadenomas is typically made with an ultrasound of the breast. Ultrasound images reveal a well-defined, round or oval, hypoechoic mass with a posterior acoustic shadowing. Fine-needle aspiration may be used to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other causes of the breast lump, such as cancer. Treatment of fibroadenomas is usually not necessary unless the mass is large, painful or growing rapidly. In these cases, the mass may be surgically removed. This typically involves a local incision and excision of the mass, although larger lesions may require a more extensive procedure.