Fibroadenomas

It is the most common type of benign breast tumor in women. It almost never turns into cancer. A single fibroadenoma is usually seen in young women between the ages of 20 and 30. Multiple fibroadenomas can be found in 10-15 percent of patients.

Two-thirds of fibroadenomas are simple fibroadenomas and do not increase the risk of breast cancer unless there are additional risk factors (such as a family history). Complex fibroadenomas and a family history have been observed to increase the risk of breast cancer threefold.

In women over 40, fibroadenomas should be removed if they are growing rapidly (growing suddenly within a few weeks), are larger than 2 cm, or have a family history of breast cancer. Rapidly growing giant fibroadenomas (larger than 5 cm) can be seen in adolescent girls. These also require surgical removal. These patients do not require mastectomy or plastic surgery. Surgery that involves removing only the fibroadenoma provides excellent cosmetic results.

They are more common during adolescence and in young women. Multiple fibroadenomas may occur in the same breast or in both breasts simultaneously. On examination, they appear as well-defined, mobile, firm masses. They are usually 2-3 cm in diameter; rarely, they can reach very large sizes and cause breast asymmetry.

If the mass is bothering the patient, it can be removed. However, there is no medical need for removal; they can be monitored.