Fibroadenoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Fibroadenoma?

If you come across a lump in your breast, it can turn out to be the scariest experience ever. However, it is important to note that not all tumors and lumps are cancerous. One such type of benign or non-cancerous tumor or lump is referred to as the “fibroadenoma.” Though fibroadenoma is not life-threatening, it might still require proper treatment. 

A fibroadenoma is referred to as the non-cancerous tumor or lump present in the breast. This is most commonly found in women who are under the age of 30 years. As per the reports generated by the American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation, around 10 percent of women in the United States of America receive proper diagnosis and treatment for fibroadenoma. The tumor usually consists of breast tissue along with connective or stromal tissues. Fibroadenomas can occur in one or both the breasts.

As some of the fibroadenomas are much smaller, they cannot be felt. When you are actually able to feel one, it turns out to be very distinct from the surrounding tissues. The edges of the fibroadenoma are well-defined, and the tumors usually have a distinctive shape. The fibroadenoma tumors can move under your skin and are usually not very tender. These tumors might feel like hard marble but might also have a flexible, rubbery touch to them.

How does Fibroadenoma Occur?

The exact cause of the occurrence of fibroadenoma is still not known. Some of the female-oriented hormones including estrogen might be responsible for the growth and development of the fibroadenoma tumors. The fibroadenoma signs and symptoms might develop if women tend to take oral contraceptives before the age of 20 years. 

The fibroadenoma tumors might grow in size. This might happen particularly during pregnancy. During the period of menopause, they might shrink. It is also possible for the fibroadenoma tumors to be resolved on their own. Some women around the world have also reported that avoiding the consumption of certain food & drinks items including teas, coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, and others has been effective in improving the overall breast conditions. 

As per the fibroadenoma causes and symptoms, there are two different types of fibroadenomas –simple fibroadenoma & complex fibroadenoma. The simple fibroadenoma tumors do not increase the overall risk of developing breast cancers. They all appear the same when viewed under a microscope. 

On the other hand, the complex fibroadenomas contain additional components including macrocysts –the fluid-filled sacs that are large enough to be observed without a microscope. The complex fibroadenoma tumors might also contain calcifications along with other calcium deposits. The complex fibroadenomas might increase the overall risk of developing breast cancer. 

Who is Prone to fibroadenoma?

Studies have revealed that there is no specification criterion for developing the signs of fibroadenoma in women. However, African-American women have been observed to be more prone to developing fibroadenoma tumors. The fibroadenoma tumors are mostly found in women who are under the age of 30. 

What are the Symptoms of fibroadenoma? How is fibroadenoma Diagnosed?

One of the most common fibroadenoma symptoms includes the presence of a small tumor or lump in one or both your breasts. The solid breast lumps are characterized to be round with distinct borders and are painless and rubbery in structure. Upon observing some common fibroadenoma signs and symptoms, you must consult your doctor. 

Diagnosis

Upon visiting a doctor and telling him or her about the fibroadenoma symptoms, a physical examination of the breasts will be carried out. The doctor might also recommend the breast ultrasound or mammogram. The breast ultrasound would involve creating the picture of the insides of the breasts with the help of a device called a “transducer.” If required, the doctor might also suggest a biopsy or a fine needle aspiration for removing the tissues for proper diagnosis. The removed tissue is then sent to the laboratory for further examination for determining the type of fibroadenoma and whether or not it is cancerous. 

What are the Complications of fibroadenoma?

Most of the fibroadenomas do not pose any risk of developing breast cancer. However, the overall risks of developing breast cancer might increase if you tend to have complex fibroadenoma upon diagnosis. 

What is the Treatment for fibroadenoma?

If you have tested positive for fibroadenoma upon diagnosis, it is not always necessary that the tumor needs to be removed. Depending on the family history, physical symptoms, and personal concerns, the doctor might consider whether or not to remove the fibroadenoma tumors. 

Fibroadenoma does not grow in size and is non-cancerous in nature. The decision of removing the fibroadenoma tumor might depend on the following factors:

• If it might cause some pain
• If there is the impact on the natural shape of the breasts
• If you are concerned about developing breast cancer
• If you tend to have a family history of breast cancer

Home Remedies for fibroadenoma

• Drinking green tea
• Consuming foods like cabbage, grapes, bran, and wheat
• Eating food rich in iodine
• Less stress

Did You Know?

• Fibroadenoma tumors are non-cancerous and do not grow in size
• It commonly occurs in young, adolescent girls
• There is no exact cause of fibroadenoma still known

Related Links

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