Benign Breast Tumours

Question 1

What is a fibroadenoma?

Answer 1

Most common benign growth in the breast.
Proliferations of stromal and epithelial tissue of the duct lobules - occurs in women of reproductive age.

Peak onset 15-25 yrs

Question 2

What are the clinical features of fibroadenomas?

Answer 2

Highly mobile
Painless 
Well-defined and rubbery 
Most less the 5 cm 
Multiple and bilateral 
Very low malignant potential

Question 3

What is the management of fibroadenomas?

Answer 3

Left in situ and follow up appointments over 2 years - up to 30% get smaller

Indications for excision - >3cm or pt preference

Question 4

What is an ductal adenoma?

Answer 4

Benign glandular tumour typically occurring in older women

Nodular and can mimic malignancy - most cases escalated for triple assessment

Question 5

What are paillomas?

Answer 5

Intraductal papillomas typically occur in women form age 40-50 in the subareolar region.

Question 6

What are the clinical features of papillomas?

Answer 6

Bloody or clear nipple discharge or mass

Question 7

What is the management of papillomas?

Answer 7

Can appear similar to ductal carcinomas on imaging therefore usually require biposy.
Some cases there are excised ensure no atypical cells or neoplasia present.

Multi-ductal papilloma have increased risk of breast cancer so most treated with microdochectomy.

Question 8

What are lipomas?

Answer 8

Soft and mobile benign adipose tumour normally asymptomatic with low malignant potential.
Only removed if significantly enlarging or causing symptomatic compressive or aesthetic issues.

Question 9

What are phyllodes tumours?

Answer 9

Rare fibroepithelial tumours. Larger and occur in an older age group. Comprised of both epithelial and stromal tissue. Often grow rapidly.

Question 10

What is the management of phyllodes tumours?

Answer 10

Have malignant potential and 10 % benign tumours will recur .

Widely excised is best option or mastectomy if lesion is large.