Fibroadenoma

These tend to affect younger women and are infrequent after about 35-40 years of age

Pathological features:

• Many remain static
• A small proportion either regress or increase in size
• In developing countries, they may reach a mass larger than the breast in which the growth occurs

Clinical features:

• Generally the patient discovers a painless lump
• Well-defined lump
• Consistency is rubbery to firm or hard
• There is much mobility (it may be difficult to find) – hence the nickname ‘breast mouse’

Investigation and management:

• As with any lump, they should be subjected to triple assessment:
• Clinical examination
• Imaging
• Cytology
• Provided all these support a diagnosis of fibroadenoma, small lesions can be left alone
• Larger lesions (>4cm) or those in older women may be better removed