Are fibroadenomas scary?

What is a fibroadenoma? Finding a lump in your breast can be a scary experience, but not all lumps and tumors are cancerous. One type of benign (noncancerous) tumor is called a fibroadenoma. While not life-threatening, a fibroadenoma may still require treatment.

Can a fibroadenoma look suspicious?

When beginning to calcify, fibroadenomas may appear suspicious, necessitating further imaging evaluation and biopsy. In a postmenopausal patient, when the calcifications are coarse and “popcorn-like,” the diagnosis of involuting fibroadenoma can be made mammographically without further workup.

Should I worry about my fibroadenoma?

If your doctor has told you that you have a fibroadenoma in your breast, don’t panic. It’s not cancer. These lumps are one of the most common breast lumps in young women. Many times, they will shrink and disappear with no treatment.

Can a fibroadenoma be mistaken for cancer?

Benign Breast Tumors The most common type of non-cancerous breast tumor is called a fibroadenoma. A fibroadenoma can look like a small marble, and you can move it under your skin. It’s usually firm and rubbery, and doesn’t hurt. Doctors aren’t sure why you get them, but think there’s a hormonal connection.

What is a fibroadenoma?

Fibroadenomas (fy-broe-ad-uh-NO-muhz) are solid, noncancerous breast lumps that occur most often in women between the ages of 15 and 35. A fibroadenoma might feel firm, smooth, rubbery or hard and has a well-defined shape.

What happens if Fibroadenomas are not growing?

This approach is useful for women with many fibroadenomas that are not growing. In such cases, removing them might mean removing a lot of nearby normal breast tissue, causing scarring that would change the shape and texture of the breast.

What does a fibroadenoma in the breast feel like?

A fibroadenoma might feel firm, smooth, rubbery or hard and has a well-defined shape. Usually painless, it might feel like a marble in your breast, moving easily under your skin when examined. Fibroadenomas vary in size, and they can enlarge or shrink on their own.

How is fibroadenoma diagnosed in young women?

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes An interprofessional approach to fibroadenoma is recommended. The majority of breast lesions in young women are identified on an incidental breast exam either by the patient or the healthcare provider. Even though fibroadenomas are benign lesions, sometimes there may be a need to confirm the histology.