Breast Fibroadenoma

Introduction

• Description: Fibroadenomas are the second most common form of breast disease and the most common breast mass.

• Prevalence: 2%–3% of women (some state as many as 25% of all women).

• Predominant Age: 15–35 years; most are younger than 30 years.

• Genetics: No genetic pattern.

Etiology and Pathogenesis

• Causes: Unknown.

• Risk Factors: Twice as common in Black women (30% of breast complaints), patients with high hormone states (adolescence, pregnancy), and patients undergoing unopposed estrogen therapy.

Signs and Symptoms

• Firm, painless, mobile, rubbery, solitary breast mass that may grow rapidly during adolescence or in high estrogen states (pregnancy, estrogen therapy)

• Usually discovered incidentally or during breast self-examination and average 2–3 cm in diameter; fibroadenomas may grow to as large as 6–10 cm

• Multiple fibroadenomas in 15%–20% of patients; bilateral in 10%–20% of patients

• Generally do not undergo cyclic change

Diagnostic Approach