Fibroadenoma – Frequently Asked Questions

You have had a mammogram and you were told that you have a Fibroadenoma or more than one.

You probably have a lot of questions and you want to know what you can expect.

The following information about Fibroadenoma is something that may help to put your mind at ease and let you know that they aren’t as scary as what you think they might be.

What it is?

A Fibroadenoma is a breast tumor which is benign, or not cancerous. They are made of fibrous and glandular tissue in the breast, and they can either stand alone or they can be a group.

Although the tumors themselves aren’t cancerous, having more than one fibroadenoma can slightly increase a person’s breast cancer risk.

Can you feel them?

Some women do report being able to feel a fibroadenoma. What do they feel like? Well, when you are doing your monthly breast exam, a fibroadenoma is going to have a round, firm, rubbery, smooth feel and they tend to move around.

If you are doing your self breast exam around the time of your period, they may hurt a bit, because your hormones may make them swell.

How big are they?

A Fibroadenoma can be anywhere from one centimeter to five centimeter, which is from less than half an inch to almost two inches.

There are rare fibroadenomas that can be approximately the size of a small lemon, which is fifteen centimeters or almost six inches.

How do I know it’s really a Fibroadenoma?

A lot of times the doctor who ordered the mammogram screening or the radiologist is going to suggest that you get an ultrasound done of your breast.

This test is going to allow the doctors to see the fibroadenoma more clearly and will let them able to tell it from the other tissue in the breast.

Depending on how well the ultrasound turns out, you may need to get an MRI done to get a better picture of the tumor.

The last thing that a doctor may suggest is a  breast biopsy procedure to look at the cells under a microscope and make sure that they are nothing more.

What now?

A lot of times, women who have a fibroadenoma don’t require having any treatment for it, although the doctors may suggest that you have periodic ultrasounds to make sure that it’s not active.

However, if it’s causing you problems or you are over the age of forty, the doctor may suggest surgical removal.

Hopefully this has answered some of your questions and put your mind at ease if you have a fibroadenoma. If you have any further questions or concerns, make sure to ask your doctor.