Routine breast self examinations may sometimes reveal lumps in many young women as well. Minds of most women are conditioned to correlate a lump to breast cancer and therefore such a revelation grips one with fear and anxiety till a clinical diagnoses is made. But there is good news! Chances are that most such lumps are nothing but non-malignant masses made up of glandular and fibrous breast tissue. Here are the answers to the 5 W’s pertaining to fibroadenomas.
What is a Fibroadenoma?
It is a benign (non-malignant) growth in the breast that is solid, firm, smooth, usually painless or only slightly tender and mobile, seen in women in their childbearing years. These are often referred to as ‘breast mice’ owing to their ability to slip away from your palms when self examining. These are made of fibrous and glandular tissue and are a common sighting in clinical practice. 10 to 15 percent of cases report multiple fibroadenomas present in one or both breasts.
Who is Susceptible to Developing a Fibroadenoma?
Fibroadenomas are generally seen in young women between ages 15 and 30 or in those who are pregnant. Women who are postmenopausal or have had their ovaries removed have decreased chances of developing a fibroadenoma. Most fibroadenomas disappear with age. Those that recur, stop growing after reaching a size of 2-3 centimetres.
Why Do They Occur?
Fibroadenomas are known to be estrogen sensitive and hence are seen increasing in size before a period or during pregnancy. Sometimes, postmenopausal women undergoing estrogen therapy may also develop fibroadenomas.
When Can You be Sure It is a Fibroadenoma?
A full triple assessment test is conducted which includes patient history and clinical examination to confirm the features of the lumps as described above. Mammogram is not the preferred clinical evaluation tool as in younger women, (specially those who are not mothers yet) breast tissue is very dense and therefore X-rays difficult to interpret. An ultrasound on the other hand is more effective as it reveals fibroadenomas as a dark area, with a definite outline, solid, with a round or oval body. A pathological examination of the tissue by fine needle biopsy gives a conclusive analysis.
Where to Go Next and What is the Further Course of Action?
A qualified healthcare practitioner (or a clinical oncologist) would be able to prescribe the next course of action. Fibroadenomas are benign and therefore treatment plan mainly includes ultrasound on a regular basis. Excision of a fibroadenoma is not recommended as long as it is painless, small, remains the same size and doesn’t cause discomfort.
Sometimes, these lumps may reach a size of 4-5cms in diameter and mimic a Phyllodes tumour, which can turn malignant. These need to be removed immediately. In some women with smaller breasts, these are removed for cosmetic benefits. A new technology called Interstitial Laser Therapy, wherein a high energy laser beam is used to destroy the fibroadenoma, is also being employed nowadays. This procedure involves minimal scarring and reduces chances of infection.
Despite confirmed clinical diagnosis and numerous assurances, some women are still wary of allowing a fibroadenoma to stay inside their breast. In such cases too, these are surgically removed.
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