Lumps in the breast are not only caused by cysts and cancer, but also by fibroadenoma mammae (FAM), known as benign tumors. Unlike breast cancer, fibroadenoma grows in breast tissue and enlarges slowly. Fibroadenoma commonly occurs in women aged 15 – 35 years.
Lumps in fibroadenoma are generally small, only 1 – 2 centimeters, and rarely larger than 5 centimeters. These benign tumors usually do not feel painful and easily shift when touched. If palpated, they have a resilient and smooth texture.
What Causes and Symptoms of Fibroadenoma Mammae?
The exact cause of fibroadenoma is not yet known. The tumor is suspected to be related to reproductive hormones. This is because the tumor can grow during pregnancy or when someone undergoes hormone replacement therapy, then shrink when reproductive hormones decrease (such as during menopause). A family history of cancer can increase the risk of fibroadenoma.
Symptoms of fibroadenoma differ from breast cancer as pain only arises in the lump area. Moreover, the lumps that appear are small and not painful, so their appearance often goes unnoticed.
How Is Fibroadenoma Mammae Diagnosed and Treated?
If you have a lump in your breast, immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause. The doctor will examine the lump in the breast to determine its texture and size, then conduct a physical examination. This includes breast ultrasound or mammography to see if the lump is due to fibroadenoma or another type of breast tumor. Biopsy examination is also performed to take and test breast tissue samples if ultrasound and mammography examinations cannot diagnose the cause of the lump.
If the test results indicate that the lump is abnormal, the doctor may recommend removing fibroadenoma through:
- Lumpectomy, a surgical procedure to cut or remove fibroadenoma lumps from the breast. The tissue is removed for testing and analysis in the laboratory.
- Cryoblation, a procedure performed by inserting a thin stick-like device into the fibroadenoma lump through the skin to freeze the tumor tissue with gas.
The choice of action is determined based on the size, location, and number of fibroadenoma lumps that appear. After these procedures, further examinations are necessary if new lumps appear.
Can Fibroadenoma Mammae Be Prevented?
It is uncertain whether fibroadenoma mammae can be prevented or not. This is because the cause of fibroadenoma is also unknown to date. However, you can undergo regular breast examinations for early detection of fibroadenoma, including:
- Regular breast examinations by a doctor every 1 – 3 years at the age of 20.
- Undergoing mammography every 1 – 2 years at the age of 45 – 74.
- Having a mammogram annually if there is a family history of breast cancer.
You can also perform self-breast examinations by following these steps:
- Stand in front of a mirror, then raise your arms and check for lumps or abnormalities in the breasts.
- Place your hands on your hips and check the breasts.
- Press the breasts from top to bottom, in a circular motion and towards the nipple to detect lumps around the breasts.
- Press the breasts in a circular motion while lying down.
These are the facts about fibroadenoma mammae that need to be known. If you find a lump in your breast, consult a doctor immediately to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
