Fibroadenoma of breast

While often considered a benign neoplasm, fibroadenomas may be thought of as aberrations of normal development. Unlike neoplasms breast fibroadenomas develop from a whole lobule rather than a single cell, and like normal breast tissue they remain responsive to hormonal control. Fibroadenomas are composed of both fibrous and glandular tissue.

Fibroadenomas are common and account for 13% of all symptomatic breast lumps. They are most common in women in their second or third decade, accounting for 60% of breast lumps in this younger population.

Fibroadenomas are thought to result from an increased sensitivity to oestrogen.

Most fibroadenomas do not enlarge after diagnosis.

Reference:

1. NICE. Interstitial laser therapy for fibroadenomas of the breast. HealthTech guidance HTG80. Published June 2005
2. Guray M, Sahin AA; Benign breast diseases: classification, diagnosis, and management. Oncologist. 2006 May;11(5):435-49.