I'm Relieved to Learn the Lump In My Breast is a Fibroadenoma, But What Next?

If you've found a lump in your breast, it's natural to fear it’s cancer. That is especially true since about one in three new cases of cancer in women each year are located in the breast.

The good news is that 60-80% of these masses are benign. Many causes of these types of lumps exist, including fibroadenomas.

At his private practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Trevan Fischer, a specialist in complex general surgical oncology, employs cutting-edge techniques to treat a wide variety of ailments, ranging from skin and breast cancer to benign breast diseases like fibroadenomas. As a researcher on clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute, he stays up-to-date on the most recent discoveries and treatment protocols.

Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas are the most common type of benign breast mass, with about 10% of women having one at some point during their lives. Women may have one or more, and they can occur in one or both breasts.

The lump is typically round, firm, smooth, and rubbery and can be moved around within the breast tissue. Its size can vary from as small as a pea to as large as a golf ball, but 2-3 centimeters is the average.

It is not cancer and usually doesn't cause any pain.

Cause

Fibroadenomas appear most often in women between the ages of 15 and 35, although they can occur at any age in women who have periods.

The exact cause is unknown, but it's theorized they may be related to a sensitivity of estrogen because they tend to get larger during times of higher hormones, such as pregnancy or when taking hormone therapy. They shrink after menopause when women have less estrogen.

Diagnosis

After a lump is detected, it's important to determine its type. This can be done with imaging scans, such as a mammogram and ultrasound, as well as a needle breast biopsy, which removes a small sample that is analyzed in a lab.

The next step after diagnosis

In some cases, fibroadenomas shrink or disappear on their own over time. If testing has ruled out cancer, a watch-and-wait approach might be the next step, with a follow-up appointment in 3-6 months.

For other women, surgery may be recommended. This is particularly true if the fibroadenoma is very large or causes pain. Surgery is also the best option if the imaging tests or biopsy is inconclusive. 

Removal is done by surgical excision to cut out the lump.

If you have found a suspicious mass, receiving a proper diagnosis is important to determine the next steps. Dr. Fischer can help. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.