Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Fibroadenoma

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Fibroadenoma

Fibroadenomas are solid, noncancerous breast lumps that occur most often in women between 15 and 35 years of age.

Insight:

• A fibroadenoma might feel firm, smooth, rubbery or hard, and has a well-defined shape.
• Usually painless, it might feel like a marble in the breast, moving easily under the skin when examined.
• Fibroadenomas vary in size and can enlarge or shrink on their own.
• Fibroadenomas are among the most common noncancerous (benign) breast lumps in young women.
• Symptoms include round with smooth border lumps, which are easily moved, firm, rubbery, and painless.
• Diagnosis may include mammogram, breast ultrasound, and biopsy (fine needles and core needle).
• Types of fibroadenomas may include:
  • Complex fibroadenomas, juvenile fibroadenomas, giant fibroadenomas, and phyllodes tumor.
• Treatment may include monitoring to detect changes in size or feel, a biopsy to evaluate the lump, or surgery to remove it.
• Surgery may include lumpectomy or excisional biopsy, or cryoablation.

Sources:

• Fibroadenoma - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
• fibroadenoma image - Google Search