Fibroadenomas are among the most common non-cancerous (benign) breast lumps in young women. They typically present as painless, highly mobile and firm nodules within the breast.
Mammograms and breast ultrasounds are often used for further evaluation depending on the risks, and diagnosis can be confirmed by core needle biopsy or excision biopsy.
A fibroadenoma may be monitored for long-term stability, or removed by vacuum-assisted needle biopsy (VAB) or surgery.
Simple fibroadenomas do not increase the risk of breast cancer. However, it may be difficult to differentiate a large fibroadenoma from the phyllodes tumour, another type of breast tumour, based on ultrasound or even core needle biopsy.
If the latter is suspected, surgical excision with a margin to completely remove the tumour is recommended. Please see your doctor for a review if you detect a breast lump on self-examination.
