fibroadenoma

A benign (non-cancerous), fibrous tumor found commonly in the breast. Fibroadenomas of the breast are painless, firm, rubbery, round lumps, usually 1 to 5 centimeters in diameter, and movable. They occur most often in women under the age of 30 and are more common in black women. Multiple tumors may develop in one or both breasts. Fibroadenomas may grow in size, especially during pregnancy, but often get smaller after menopause (if a woman is not taking hormone replacement therapy).

The lump may be surgically removed, the decision depending on the features of the lump and the patient's preferences. Removal is performed under either a local or general anesthetic. After removal, lumps believed to be fibroadenomas are examined by a pathologist to rule out the small chance of breast cancer. Alternative treatments include removing the lump with a needle and destroying the lump without removing it (such as by freezing, in a process called cryoablation).

Related category

• HEALTH AND DISEASE

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