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A breast fibroadenoma is a type of benign breast lump that appears as a solid lump. It commonly occurs in women between the ages of 14 and 35. They usually appear unilaterally as a solid lump in the breast comprising epithelial and stromal tissues.
Typically, a fibroadenoma doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort and often appears as a pea-sized lump in the breast. They can remain the same size or grow up to 1 or 2 cm. In rare cases, the fibroadenoma can become larger than 5 cm. In some women, these lumps persist till menopause and start to shrink afterward. Not all women are lucky enough to get rid of these lumps on their own, some need proper treatment and even surgery for fibroadenoma removal.
To understand the condition better and make an informed decision about the best treatment plan, it’s crucial to get the breast lump diagnosed immediately and consult an expert surgeon.
The exact cause of a fibroadenoma is still unclear, but it is known to be related to the female hormone estrogen. The breast comprises lobules (milk-producing glands), ducts (that carry milk to the nipple), glandular tissues, fatty tissues, and fibrous tissues. The fibroadenoma develops in the lobules where milk is produced, and then the glandular tissues and ducts grow over it, solidifying the lump.
The causes of the lump can be any of the following:
As the exact cause of fibroadenomas is unclear, doctors always recommend taking caution and regularly examining the breast region to look for signs of breast lumps.
When minute in size, fibroadenomas don’t have clear and noticeable symptoms. But as they grow, clear symptoms start to appear, which include the following:
The symptoms of breast lumps are usually the same. Due to this, even though patients notice the symptoms, they cannot differentiate between the types, i.e., identify a fibroadenoma.
Based on the composition and structure, fibroadenomas are divided into the following types:
There is a specific type of fibroadenoma, called giant fibroadenoma, which is larger than 5 cm in size. When the lump grows this much in size, it tends to press on nearby tissues and can also disrupt the function.
When the individual finds a lump in the breast, he/she should contact a healthcare professional to get the lump accurately diagnosed and determine what would be the next step in the treatment/management plan. For a thorough diagnosis, the following tests will be recommended.
The above tests help to plan the most suitable method to treat fibroadenomas, which can include monitoring or removal depending on the severity of the condition. Once the fibroadenoma diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will advise the patient to get regular follow-ups and timely screenings to monitor the changes in the breast tissues.
Generally, fibroadenomas can be left untreated if they are small in size and the composition after analysis is found to be uniform and not alarming. In such cases, the lump may go away on its own.
As fibroadenomas aren’t cancerous, they aren’t considered life-threatening. But over time, they can grow in size, change their appearance (in case of complex lump), and also become painful if they compress the surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
In some cases, delaying seeing a doctor can increase the risk of misdiagnosis, which can, in turn, increase the risk of misdiagnosis of a cancerous breast lump. That’s why it’s always advised not to leave fibroadenomas untreated.
The most suitable treatment approach for fibroadenomas depends on their size, symptoms, and the patient’s preference. Some common options include the following:
The best choice of treatment for fibroadenomas is made based on the severity of the condition and considering the patient’s age and other factors. The doctor openly discusses the options and creates a treatment plan that is best suited for the patient.


To get in touch with Pristyn Care’s expert breast surgeons, you can give us a call or fill out the appointment form. Our coordinators will discuss the date, time, and location of the clinic/hospital to schedule the appointment.
The cost of fibroadenoma treatment ranges from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000 or even more in case of multiple lumps. The overall cost of the treatment may be less than this if the doctor prescribes medicines for the treatment and management of the condition.
Yes, fibroadenoma treatment costs can be covered by health insurance if the surgeon recommends surgical removal. However, the amount of coverage that can be claimed for the procedure might vary depending on your policy. To clearly understand the terms and conditions associated with the policy.
The growth rate of fibroadenomas is not clear. Normally, the lump grows at a different pace for each patient. In some patients, the growth is fast, while in others, the lump grows to a specific extent and then stops growing entirely. There is no definitive way to determine the growing speed of the breast fibroadenoma.
No, a fibroadenoma doesn’t cause nipple discharge as it forms in the lobule. If discharge occurs, there is a higher possibility that the lump is not a fibroadenoma, and further evaluation is required for an accurate diagnosis.
Yes, though it is uncommon, there is a possibility that fibroadenomas develop on both sides of the breast simultaneously.
Generally, fibroadenomas don’t become cancerous. However, there is a small risk that a complex fibroadenoma increases the risk of cancer. If the patient has a complex fibroadenoma, regular monitoring and screening are required to detect if any cancerous breast lump develops.
The doctor may recommend a fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or a surgical biopsy for fibroadenomas. A fine needle aspiration is done for lumps that are easily accessible, whereas a core needle biopsy is done for lumps that are difficult to reach. A surgical biopsy involves taking out the entire lump through a procedure and then sending it to the lab for an accurate diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to support that by making certain lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent fibroadenomas. The only habit that you can include in your life is getting regular screenings and doing breast self-exams to detect any changes in the breasts.
Typically, having a fibroadenoma is less likely to cause issues with the breastfeeding abilities of a woman. Most women breastfeed without any difficulty. However, if the patient undergoes surgery, the woman’s ability to breastfeed might be affected depending on the extent of the surgery.
If only medicines are used for the treatment of fibroadenoma, there is a possibility that the lump will shrink for some time and may grow in size if the patient stops using the medicines. However, if surgical removal is done for the fibroadenoma, the chances of recurrence will be almost negligible. Still, new fibroadenomas can still develop.
No, surgery is not always necessary for the treatment of fibroadenomas. In many cases, this type of breast lump can disappear on its own. If not, they can also be managed with medications that maintain a balance between estrogen and progesterone hormones throughout the menstrual cycle. Surgical removal of fibroadenomas is recommended when the lump’s size is large, and it is problematic.