What Is a Fibroadenoma or Should You Remove It?
A fibroadenoma is a noncancerous tumor in the breast. It typically occurs in women under 30 years old. In many cases, it is so small that you cannot even feel them. When the mass is evident, it looks different from the surrounding tissue with a distinct shape and clearly defined edges. The tumor is comprised of connective and breast tissue. It may appear in one or both breasts. Although a fibroadenoma is not dangerous, it still requires proper treatment. [1]
Not all fibroadenomas should be removed. Some factors may affect this decision, such as your age, family history of breast cancer, changes in breast shape, pain caused by the tumor, or the growth rate of the lump.
– Simple fibroadenomas: These lumps have a uniform shape with a small size from 1 to 3 cm under the microscope. They tend to be noncancerous and shrink gradually after menopause. If simple fibroadenomas do not cause any pain, there is no need to remove them.
– Complex fibroadenomas: These lumps would increase the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, people with a family history of this condition may need to remove them. [2]
