A guide to diagnosis and treatment [www.QinSen.com]
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What is Fibroadenoma? [www.QinSen.com]
A fibroadenoma is a benign solid lump of tissue which, although very common in young women, can occur at any age. [www.QinSen.com]
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Doctors believe it is a result of increased sensitivity to the female hormone oestrogen. [www.QinSen.com]
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Normally rubbery in texture and often painless, a fibroadenoma is smooth to the touch and moves easily under the skin – which is why it is often called a breast mouse - and it is not unsual to have more than one. [www.QinSen.com]

Fibroadenomas between 1-3cm in size are referred to as ‘common’, those growing to more than 5cm in size are known as 'giant', and fibroadenomas found in teenage girls are called ‘juvenile'.

They usually stay the same size, although some get smaller and some eventually disappear over time.

A small number get bigger and this may be more noticeable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Diagnosis
Your GP may be able to say whether a lump is a fibroadenoma, but you may be referred to a breast clinic for diagnosis.

The breast clinic assessment will consist of a triple assessment and includes:

breast examination
mammogram or ultrasound
fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
The FNAC involves drawing off cells from the lump with a fine needle, although some clinics conduct a core biopsy instead. This involves the removal of a small tissue sample rather than cells.

Women under 35 will normally have an ultrasound scan as younger breast tissue is denser and produces a less clear mammogram picture.

You can find out more about breast clinic investigations from the link below.

Treatment
In most cases no follow up treatment will be required after a diagnosis has been confirmed.

You will normally only be asked to return to your GP or the breast clinic if the lump gets bigger or becomes painful. If this happens, it can be removed in a small operation.

What this means
Having a fibroadenoma does not increase your risk of breast cancer.

However, it is still important to be breast aware and go back to your GP if you notice any further lumps or other changes.