Fibroadenoma Women’s Clinic What is Fibroadenoma? The breast is made up of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple), which are surrounded by fatty tissue and supportive tissue. Sometimes tissue will grow over a lobule, forming a solid lump. This is a fibroadenoma. Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous and do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. They occur because of increased sensitivity to the female hormone oestrogen. A fibroadenoma usually has a rubbery texture; it is smooth to the touch and moves easily under the skin. For this reason, it is sometimes called a breast mouse. Fibroadenomas are usually painless, but some people may feel tender or even painful. Fibroadenomas are very common and it is not unusual to have more than one. They often develop during puberty and so are mostly
found in young women, though they can occur in women of any age. Fibroadenomas found in adolescent girls are called juvenile fibroadenomas. Most fibroadenomas are about 1 to 3 centimetres in diameter. Some can grow to more than 5 centimetres and are called giant fibroadenomas. Most fibroadenomas stay the same size. Some become smaller and eventually disappear over time. A small number of fibroadenomas get bigger, particularly those in teenage girls. Fibroadenomas can also increase in size during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This enlargement is normal and is no cause for concern. Diagnosis Fibroadenomas usually become noticeable as a lump in the breast. When you have a breast examination, your doctor may be able to say whether the lump feels like a fibroadenoma.
Your doctor will conduct a breast examination, a mammogram (breast x-ray) or ultrasound scan (which creates an image of the breast using high frequency sound waves) and/or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). A FNAC is performed using a fine needle and syringe to obtain sample cells from the lump. A core biopsy uses a larger needle to take samples of abnormal tissue from the lump rather than just cells. Treatment In most cases of fibroadenoma, you will not need any follow up or treatment. You will only be required to come back if the lump grows bigger or becomes painful. Surgery may be advised to remove a fibroadenoma that is larger than 3 centimetres. You may also request for an operation. To remove a fibroadenoma you will have to undergo a minor operation under general anaesthesia. You can expect a small temporary wound
with stitches. Your doctor/nurse will advise on appropriate care for the wound. The operation will result in a small scar but this will fade with time. Removing a fibroadenoma does not usually affect the shape of the breast, as normal breast tissue will move in to fill the space where the lump used to be. You may also be offered a vacuum assisted biopsy called a mammotome. This means removing a small fibroadenomas without undergoing surgery. Using a mammogram or ultrasound scan as a guide, small amounts of breast tissue are sucked up through a needle until the lump is seen to disappear. What does this means to you? Having a fibroadenoma does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, it is still important to be breast aware by routinely examining your breasts. Consult your doctor if you notice any abnormal changes in your breasts.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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