Fibroadenoma

• Simple fibroadenoma. This is the most common type. It contains only one type of tissue.
• Complex fibroadenoma. This type contains more than one kind of tissue or irregular tissue, such as pockets of fluid (cysts) or deposits of calcium (calcifications) in the breast.
• Juvenile fibroadenoma. This is a type of tumor that can develop in adolescent girls. It tends to grow larger over time than other kinds of benign tumors.

Having a complex or juvenile fibroadenoma may slightly increase the risk for developing breast cancer in the future.

What are the causes?

The cause of fibroadenoma is not known.

What increases the risk?

• Women who are between the ages of 20 and 30.
• Women of African American descent.

What are the signs or symptoms?

• Firm.
• Round.
• Smooth.
• Slightly movable.

A fibroadenoma usually occurs as a single lump, but sometimes there may be more than one lump. They can occur in one breast or in both breasts. Fibroadenomas vary in size. They usually do not cause pain unless they grow large.

How is this diagnosed?

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam. You may notice a lump during a breast self-exam, or your health care provider may notice it during a routine breast exam or breast X-ray (mammogram).
• An ultrasound to check for fluid inside the lump (cystic tumor). If there is fluid, some fluid may be removed with a needle and examined under a microscope.
• A mammogram to examine a lump that does not contain fluid (solid). Depending on mammogram results, you may need to have a procedure to remove a tissue sample from the lump using a needle (breast biopsy). The tissue will be examined under a microscope.

How is this treated?

• Having clinical breast exams regularly to check for changes in your fibroadenoma.
• Having the fibroadenoma removed. A fibroadenoma may be removed if it is:
  • Large.
  • Continuing to grow.
  • Causing symptoms, such as pain or a change in the appearance of your breast.
  • A juvenile fibroadenoma. These tend to grow large over time.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Do breast self-exams at home as told by your health care provider. Monitor your fibroadenoma. Check the skin of your breasts and your nipples for any changes.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. These can further increase your cancer risk. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important. You will need breast exams on a regular basis.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your fibroadenoma:
  • Gets larger.
  • Feels different.
  • Becomes painful.
• You find a new breast lump.
• You have any changes in your breast skin, such as:
  • Dimpling.
  • Bruising.
  • Thickening.
  • Redness.
• You have any changes in your nipple, such as:
  • Fluid leaking from a nipple.
  • Redness.

Summary

• Fibroadenoma is a breast tumor that is not cancerous (is benign). It is made up of breast tissue and tissue that holds breast tissue together (connective tissue).
• Having a complex or juvenile fibroadenoma may slightly increase your risk for developing breast cancer in the future.
• A fibroadenoma may feel like a lump in your breast. It is usually firm, round, smooth, and slightly movable. Some fibroadenomas are too small to be felt.
• Do breast self-exams at home as told by your health care provider. Monitor your fibroadenoma, the skin of your breasts, and your nipples for any changes.