What is a fibroadenoma?

A fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumour consisting of glandular tissue (adenoma) and connective tissue (fibroma) that rarely grows larger than three centimetres. Fibroadenomas can occur sporadically or in large numbers in different parts of the breast. In most cases, fibroadenomas do not require treatment, but they can be removed surgically. Women who have not yet gone through the menopause are particularly likely to develop fibroadenomas. Whether and to what extent a fibroadenoma increases the risk of breast cancer has not yet been clarified.

How does a fibroadenoma develop?

A fibroadenoma is caused by an excessive proliferation of connective tissue. Doctors distinguish between different forms of fibroadenomas, each of which has a different amount of connective tissue. The development of fibroadenomas can be influenced by female reproductive organs such as oestrogen. Oestrogen stimulates fibroadenoma cells to multiply. Fibroadenomas can therefore occur more frequently during pregnancy or in the course of hormone treatment. Women who take the contraceptive pill or women who have gone through the menopause have a lower risk of developing fibroadenomas.

What are the symptoms of fibroadenoma?

A fibroadenoma can often be felt in the upper half of the breast and is often close to the nipple. Although fibroadenomas usually grow slowly, young women in particular can develop a special form that grows quickly and can change both the size and shape of the breast. Apart from these external changes fibroadenomas do not usually cause pain. Especially before menstruation, the breast may feel taut and sensitive to pressure. However, this can also be the case in women who have not developed a fibroadenoma.

How is a fibroadenoma diagnosed?

A fibroadenoma can be detected by palpation of the breast, for example as part of the cancer screening examination. Often this does not even have to be done by the gynaecologist, but can also be felt by the woman. Fibroadenomas separate themselves from the surrounding tissue and can be moved. An enlargement of the lymph nodes under the armpit and the area below the collarbone can also indicate a fibroadenoma.

But the usual imaging procedures such as an ultrasound examination, a mammogram or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also diagnose a fibroadenoma. A biopsy of the tissue sample may confirm the diagnosis.

How is a fibroadenoma treated ?

In many cases, fibroadenomas do not need to be treated because they often disappear on their own. However, the fibroadenoma should be checked regularly. This includes not only the independent palpation of the breast by the woman, but also the medical check-up. If it is necessary, the fibroadenoma can also be removed surgically. This could be considered, for example, if the growth is very rapid.

Fibroadenoma frequencies