Posted in Breast Stories   |   By 

Admin Admin

What is a Fibroadenoma?

Fibroadenomas are solid breast lumps that are non-cancerous. They occur mostly in women aged between 15 and 35. At times, fibroadenomas are called a breast mouse or breast mice because of their high movement in the breast. Fibroadenoma is known to be the most common kind of breast lump that occurs in young women.

In the breast of a man, fibroepithelial tumors are rare and are often phyllodes tumors. Extraordinarily rare case reports of fibroadenomas existing in the breast of a man, but these cases could be associated with testosterone blocker (anti-androgen) treatment.

Symptoms of Fibroadenoma

It could feel hard, rubbery, smooth or firm, and has a shape that’s well-defined. It feels more like a marble inside the breast, moving smoothly under the skin when examined. Fibroadenomas are usually painless, but they might be uncomfortable or sensitive to touch. Women often find their fibroadenoma becoming tender during the days before their menstrual periods.

Also, prodding or pushing at the lump could make it tender. Fibroadenomas vary in size; they can be tinier than a marble or big like a golf ball. Most of them might appear all over sudden and remain the same size while others shrink or enlarge on their own.

Hormones affect them, and usually, they will change size during pregnancy or menstrual cycle. Fibroadenomas could occur in either one or sometimes both breasts.

Fibroadenomas Diagnosis

Both breast cancer and fibroadenomas could appear as similar lumps; currently, it’s recommended to do ultrasound analyses, or mammogram imaging, as well as tissue sampling with a subsequent histopathologic analysis to perform diagnosis. Fibroadenomas are usually easier to move, unlike normal breast cancer lumps.

Mammogram

It’s an x-ray image of the breast, usually taken while compressing the breast between two surfaces that are flat.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound entails lying on a flat table while a transducer (handheld device) is moved over breast skin and creates an image on a screen.

A Biopsy or fine needle aspiration can be performed for removing tissue for testing. That usually involves the insertion of a needle into your breast to remove small tumor pieces. The tissues are then taken to a laboratory for microscopic examination to find out the fibroadenoma type and if it’s cancerous.

Causes of Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas cause is unknown, but they are partially related to the reproductive hormones. It often occurs more during reproductive years and could become bigger at the time of pregnancy.

Also, the use of oral contraceptives before reaching 20 years is related to higher chances of growing fibroadenomas. During menopause, when the levels of hormone decrease, fibroadenomas usually shrink. It’s also possible that they could resolve on their own.

What Do I Do About My Fibroadenoma?

Most of the fibroadenomas are usually left alone without treatment. Lots of women decide with their specialists that there’s no need of removing the lump. It’s completely safe leaving fibroadenomas where you found them.

While fibroadenomas aren’t cancerous, it’s difficult sometimes for women and clinicians to feel confident that a lump isn’t cancerous. Sometimes a doctor can remove some lumps, or a biopsy is taken to stop this concern. A woman could ask to have her fibroadenoma removed because it’s painful or very uncomfortable.

However, one should consider the scar that will result from the surgery; it might also be painful and uncomfortable. If the fibroadenoma continues to grow, a specialist might suggest removing it so that it doesn’t get bigger, just to reduce the scarring amount.

Higher live birth number, higher fruit intake, moderate exercise, and lower oral contraceptives are associated with lower fibroadenomas frequency. Women are recommended to be aware of any changes in their breasts that aren’t normal. Contact your GP (General Practitioner), if you see any abnormal hormonal change.