Fibroadenoma Definition
Fibroadenoma is one of the most common types of benign breast tumors that are easily moved when touched. However, not all lumps that appear in the breast are this tumor. Fibroadenoma has a solid shape with a rubbery or hard texture and a smooth surface. Generally, the size of fibroadenoma can enlarge and shrink on its own, and has a fairly varied size.
Most people find it difficult to distinguish between fibroadenoma and breast cancer tumors. The difference between the two disorders is that fibroadenoma does not grow larger over time and does not spread to other organs like breast cancer. However, when it occurs during pregnancy, the size of the fibroadenoma usually increases.
Symptoms of Fibroadenoma
In general, the symptoms of fibroadenoma are as follows:
- The lump is not painful.
- Round in shape with clear tumor edges.
- Easy to move when touched.
- The lump may feel rubbery or slightly hard.
Each person can have more than one fibroadenoma at a time of varying sizes. However, there are fibroadenomas that are too small (approximately 8 centimeters) to be felt by hand.
This type of fibroadenoma can only be seen through ultrasound or mammography. Therefore, contact your doctor immediately if you detect a new lump or change in your breast.
Causes of Fibroadenoma
The development of fibroadenomas is often associated with reproductive hormones, but the exact cause is still unknown. Experts say fibroadenomas appear as an abnormal response from a woman’s body to the hormone estrogen. When women are in their reproductive years, fibroadenomas are more likely to appear.
Fibroadenomas can increase in size during pregnancy or when someone is undergoing hormone replacement therapy, and will shrink again when reproductive hormone levels decrease, for example, after a woman enters menopause.
Fibroadenoma is divided into several types, namely:
- Complex fibroadenoma: This type of fibroadenoma is caused by rapid cell growth (hyperplasia). Complex fibroadenoma can be diagnosed by microscopic tissue analysis (biopsy).
- Large fibroadenoma: This type of fibroadenoma can grow to around 5 centimeters and must be removed because the lump can press on the surrounding breast tissue.
- Juvenile fibroadenoma: This type of fibroadenoma is the most common in women aged 10-18 years. This type can grow larger. However, over time it will disappear on its own.
- Phyllodes tumor: Although benign, phyllodes tumors can also become malignant at any time. Therefore, doctors usually recommend removing this tumor.
Fibroadenoma Risk Factors
Most fibroadenoma sufferers are women between the ages of 15-35 years. However, it is possible for women of any age to suffer from this disease.
Diagnosis Fibroadenoma
During a clinical breast exam, your doctor will check for lumps in your breast. Some fibroadenomas are too small to feel, so they can only be found on imaging tests. However, if you have a lump that can be felt or palpated, your doctor may recommend certain tests right away, depending on your age and the characteristics of the lump.
The following tests are used to evaluate breast lumps:
- Diagnostic mammography. This test uses X-rays to produce images (mammograms) of suspicious areas in the patient’s breast tissue.
- Breast ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the breast. Breast ultrasound is usually recommended to evaluate breast lumps in women who have dense breast tissue or women under the age of 30.
Complications of Fibroadenoma
Most fibroadenomas do not affect a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. However, your risk of breast cancer is increased if you have complex fibroadenomas or phyllodes tumors.
Fibroadenoma Treatment
Generally, fibroadenoma does not require treatment. However, to be safer, some sufferers choose surgery to remove fibroadenoma lumps. Based on the results of the examination, the following are treatments that are usually carried out by doctors to remove fibroadenoma:
- Lumpectomy which is an operation performed by cutting or removing the fibroadenoma lump from the breast.
- Cryoablation, which involves inserting a thin, wand-like instrument into the fibroadenoma lump to spray gas that will freeze the tissue.
It should be noted that even after removal, fibroadenoma can still reappear. A physical examination and biopsy test are needed to confirm whether the lump is a fibroadenoma or cancer. However, fibroadenoma lumps can actually shrink or disappear on their own. In addition, keep in mind that surgery can change the shape of the breast according to the appearance of the fibroadenoma itself. Therefore, routine check-ups are still needed after removing the fibroadenoma.
Fibroadenoma Prevention
Perform early check-ups to reduce further risks and complications.
When to See a Doctor?
Make an appointment with your doctor right away if:
- Feeling a new breast lump.
- Be aware of changes in your breasts.
- The breast lump you previously felt has grown or changed and appears to be separated from the surrounding breast tissue.
