FIBROADENOMA OF BREAST

Fibroadenoma is a common benign (non-cancerous) breast tumor that often occurs in young women. It's made up of both glandular (breast tissue) and connective tissue. Here are some key points to be aware of:

1. Causes and Risk Factors:

   • The exact cause is not fully understood, but hormonal changes, especially estrogen fluctuations, may play a role.
   • It is most common in women of childbearing age.

2. Symptoms:

   • Often, fibroadenomas are painless and are felt as a firm, smooth, and rubbery lump in the breast.
   • The lump is usually movable and well-defined.
   • It can vary in size from very small to several centimeters in diameter.

3. Diagnosis:

   • Clinical breast examination by a healthcare provider.
   • Imaging tests such as ultrasound or mammogram to confirm the presence of the lump and assess its characteristics.
   • Sometimes a biopsy might be done to confirm that the lump is a fibroadenoma and not something more concerning.

4. Treatment:

   • Small, asymptomatic fibroadenomas may not require treatment and can be monitored over time.
   • If the fibroadenoma is causing discomfort, growing rapidly, or causing anxiety, it might be removed.
   • Removal can be done through a surgical procedure called a lumpectomy, where the lump is removed while preserving the surrounding breast tissue.

5. Prognosis:

   • Fibroadenomas are benign and not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
   • After removal, recurrence is rare, but it's still important to continue regular breast self-exams and follow-up appointments.