Fibroadenomas Flashcards
What are fibroadenomas?
Solid, non-cancerous breast lumps characterised by a mixture of stromal and epithelial tissue
Who do fibroadenomas most commonly occur in?
Women between the age of 15 and 35
What can fibroadenomas appear similar to?
Breast cancer
What is the result of fibroadenomas appearing similar to breast cancer?
All of them need to be taken seriously and investigated
What are the breats made up of?
Lobules (milk producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry that milk to the nipple), which are surrounded by glandular, fibrous, and fatty tissue.
What part of the breast do fibroadenomas develop from?
The lobules
What forms a solid lump in fibroadenomas?
The growth of glandular tissue and ducts over the fibroadenoma formed in the lobule
What are the types of fibroadenoma?
- Simple fibroadenoma
- Complex fibroadenoma
- Juvenline fibroadenoma
- Giant fibroadenoma
- Phyllodes tumour
What is a complex fibroadenoma?
A fibroadenoma that contains changes such as hyperplasia, and can grow rapidly
What is a juvenline fibroadenoma?
A fibroadenoma found between the ages of 10-18
How might juvenile fibroadenomas progress?
Can grow large, but most shrink over time and some disappear
How big can giant fibroadenomas get?
Over 2 inches
Why might giant fibroadenomas need to be removed?
Because tehy can press on or replace other breast tissue
Is a Phyllodes tumour malignant or benign?
Most are benign, but some can become malignant
What is the result of the potential for Phyllodes tumours to become malignant?
Most are recommended for removal
What is the cause of fibroadenomas?
The cause of fibroadenomas is unknown, but they may be related to reproductive hormones
Why is it theorised that fibroadenomas are related to reproductive hormones?
- Because they occur more often during the reproductive years
- Can become bigger during pregnancy or with the use of hormone therapy
- They might shrink after menopause when hormone levels decrease
Describe how a fibroadenoma feels?
It is a solid breast lump that is usually;
- Round with distinct, smooth borders
- Easily moved
- Firm or rubbery
- Painless
Can a patient have more than one fibroadenoma?
Yes, they can have one or many fibroadenomas in one or both breasts
What are fibroadenomas often termed?
‘Breast mice’
Why are fibroadenomas often termed ‘breast mice’?
Due to their high mobility in the breast
How can fibroadenomas be discovered if they are too small too feel?
Imaging tests
How are fibroadenomas investigated?
- Diagnostic mammography or breast ultrasound
- Fine-needle aspiration
- Core needle biopsy
What might mammography show in fibroadenoma?
A breast mass with smooth, round edges, distinct from surrounding breast tissue
How are fibroadenomas managed?
In many cases, fibroadenomas require no treatment
Some women choose surgical removal for their peace of mind
When may fibroadenomas not require surgery?
When you can be reasonably certain that the breast lump is a fibroadenoma based on the result of a clinical breast exam, imaging, and biopsy
Why may patients prefer conservative management over surgery in fibroadenoma?
- Surgery can distort the shape and texture of the breast
- Fibroadenomas sometimes shrink or disappear on their own
- The breast has multiple fibroadenomas that appear to be stable (no change in ultrasound compared to an earlier ultrasound)
What it is important to do if a patient chooses not to have surgery for fibroadenomas?
Monitor the fibroadenoma with follow-up visits to the doctor
What happens in follow up visits for fibroadenoma?
Breast ultrasounds to detect changes in the appearance or size of the lump
What are the surgical options for fibroadenoma?
- Lumpectomy
- Excisional biopsy
- Cryoablation
What happens in cryoablation?
A thin deviced called a cryoprobe is inserted through the skin to the fibroadenoma, and gas is used to freeze and destroy the tissue
