Fibroadenoma

Question 1

Define Fibroadenoma

Answer 1

Benign neoplasms OR aberrations of normal development and involution (ANDI) with fibrous and glandular tissue

Question 2

What are the types of fibroadenoma

Answer 2

Common fibroadenoma
Juvenile fibroadenoma
Giant fibroadenoma (>5cm)

Question 3

Aetiology of fibroadenoma

Answer 3

Unknown

Fibroadenomas develop from a whole lobule
Fibroadenomas show the same hormonal dependence as the remainder of breast tissue, for example they may increase in size during pregnancy and involute during the perimenopausal period.

Usually seen in younger women <35

Question 4

Symptoms of fibroadenomas

Answer 4

Breast lump
• Painless
• Does not appear new after menopause
• Juvenile fibroadenomas occur in adolescence and sometimes undergo rapid growth.

Question 5

Signs of fibroadenoma

Answer 5

Breast lump
	• Smooth
	• Firm/rubbery 
	• Well circumscribed
	• Mobile ("Breast mouse")
	• Painless
No palpable local regional lymph nodes

Question 6

Investigations for fibroadenomas

Answer 6

Triple assessment

1. Clinical exam 
2. Imaging with USS (under 35) or mammogram
3. FNA or Core biopsy 

USS: well-defined mass
Mammogram: Well-defined mass, may have popcorn-like calcifications
Fine needle aspiration: Fibrous and glandular tissue

Question 7

Management for fibroadenoma

Answer 7

Two choices:
1. Majority will resolve over several years and pose no increased risk of malignancy. Do not treat → Regular Check ups

2. Excisional biopsy (patient preference, increasing size lump, causing discomfort)

Question 8

Prognosis of fibroadenoma

Answer 8

Generally good

Risk of developing breast cancer is the same as the average population
Most are NOT associated with increased breast cancer risk