Fibroadenoma of the Breast: Meaning, Symptoms & Causes 

Fibroadenoma of the breast is a common yet harmless condition that many women worldwide experience. The condition generally does not require any extensive treatment and might even disappear on its own. Let’s see what is fibroadenoma of the breast, its causes, and its symptoms through this article.

What is Fibroadenoma of the Breast?

A fibroadenoma of the breast is a benign (non-cancerous) lump that typically occurs in young women. This type of tumour is made up of both glandular and fibrous tissue. Fibroadenomas are usually discovered during a routine mammogram or breast exam.

While these lumps are usually harmless, they can sometimes grow large enough to cause pain or discomfort. In rare cases, a fibroadenoma may turn into breast cancer. For this reason, it's important to have any suspicious lumps or growths checked out by a doctor.

If one has been diagnosed with fibroadenosis, their doctor will likely recommend monitoring the tumour with regular mammograms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumour.

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What are the Common Symptoms of Fibroadenoma of the Breast?

There are a few different types of breast fibroadenomas, and each one can cause different fibroadenoma symptoms. The most common symptom of fibroadenoma of the breast is a lump or mass in the breast. This lump is usually painless and can be felt through the skin. The lump might also feel extremely smooth with distinct borders and can be rubbery or firm to the touch. In some cases, patients might also experience slight fibroadenoma pain and discomfort. In general, fibroadenomas grow at a very slow pace; hence one might not feel them instantly. However, as they grow over time, they may develop distinct borders, which makes self-diagnosis much more apparent.

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What Causes Fibroadenoma of the Breast?

There are several possible causes of fibroadenoma of the breast, but the exact cause is unknown. However, some possible contributing factors include:

1. Hormonal changes

This is thought to be the most likely cause, as fibroadenomas are more common in women of childbearing age. Estrogen (a female hormone) is thought to play a role in the development of fibroadenomas.

2. Family history

If you have a family member with a history of fibroadenomas, you may be more likely to develop them as well.

3. Obesity

Research has shown that being overweight (increased BMI) has been linked to an increased risk of developing fibroadenomas.

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While the exact fibroadenoma cause is unknown, some possible risk factors may contribute to their development. If you are concerned about your risk, speak to your doctor.

What are the Different Types of Fibroadenomas?

There are several different types of fibroadenoma of the breast, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. The most common type is benign proliferative breast disease, which is characterized by the growth of abnormal breast tissue. This type of fibroadenoma is usually benign, meaning it is not cancerous and does not typically require treatment. However, if the fibroadenoma grows larger than 5 cm, it may need to be removed surgically. Other types of fibroadenoma include ductal fibroadenoma, which is characterized by the growth of abnormal tissue in the breast ducts and is usually benign. Other types of breast fibroadenosis, depending on the size and complexity, are as follows:

• Simple fibroadenoma
• Complex fibroadenoma
• Giant/Juvenile fibroadenoma

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What Treatment Options are Available for Breast Fibroadenoma?

There are a few different breast fibroadenoma treatment options available today. One option is to have the lump removed surgically. This is typically done if the lump is large or if it is causing pain. Fibroadenoma is removed through a procedure called an excision biopsy. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia and is highly effective in treating large and complex fibroadenomas.

However, most fibroadenomas do not grow in size and may also disappear on their own as they are responsive to female hormones (typically estrogen). Henceforth, some women choose to just keep an eye on the lump and not have any treatment. This is typically done if the lump is small and there are no other symptoms.

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When to See a Doctor?

If someone notices a lump in their breast and suspects it to be a fibroadenoma, they may wonder when they should see a doctor. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the size of the lump and their personal health history. If the lump is large, or if a person has a family history of breast cancer, they should see a doctor sooner rather than later. Likewise, if they have any other risk factors for breast cancer, such as a history of radiation therapy to the chest area, they should also see a doctor.

In general, however, most fibroadenomas can be followed with routine mammograms and breast exams. If a person has any concerns about their breast health, or if they notice any changes in their breast, be sure to see a doctor immediately.

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References

1. Bhettani MK, Rehman M, Altaf HN, Ahmed SM, Tahir AA, Khan MS, Imran T. (2019). Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Fibroadenoma. NCBI
2. Ajmal M, Khan M, Van Fossen K. (2022). Breast Fibroadenoma. NCBI