Breast: Fibroadenoma

Chapter 149 Breast: Fibroadenoma



INTRODUCTION



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

Prevalence: Two percent to three percent of women (some state as many as 25% of all women).

Predominant Age: 21 to 25, most younger than 30.

Genetics: No genetic pattern.


ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS



Causes: Unknown.

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


CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS



Signs and Symptoms



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

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

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

• Generally undergo no cyclic change


DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH



Differential Diagnosis



• Fibrocystic change

• Solitary cyst


Associated Conditions: None.


Workup and Evaluation



Laboratory: No evaluation indicated.

Imaging: Mammography is generally avoided but can be diagnostic if needed. Breast ultrasonography can distinguish between solid and cystic masses, although it is often not required.

Special Tests: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the mass may be performed in the office.

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Jun 6, 2016 | Posted by in GYNECOLOGY | Comments Off on Breast: Fibroadenoma

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