{"id":4036,"date":"2019-02-20T04:42:43","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T04:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=4036"},"modified":"2022-02-07T07:52:59","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T07:52:59","slug":"15-symptoms-of-fibroadenoma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-symptoms-of-fibroadenoma\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Symptoms of Fibroadenoma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Every woman\u2019s worst nightmare is the discovery of a lump growing within their breast. While it is certainly scary to learn that you do have a lump in your breast, take comfort in knowing that not all lumps are cancerous. In fact, the majority of them aren\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fibroadenomas are very common lump that develops within the tissues of the breasts. While they are considered tumors, they are non-cancerous, which means that they are not life-threatening. In most cases, they do not increase the risk of breast cancer; however, complex fibroadenomas may slightly elevate the risk of cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these lumps that form within the breasts are generally not considered dangerous, it\u2019s still a wise idea to perform regular breast exams. If you discover a lump, how can you tell if it is a fibroadenoma and not cancer? Here\u2019s a look at eight signs that are indicative of these benign growths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. No pain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you might think that a lump growing within the breasts would be painful, in most cases, most women who develop fibroadenomas <\/a>do not experience any pain. For that reason, it is extremely important that you conduct regular exams of your breast. Cancerous tumors often do not cause any pain in the beginning stages, as well. Therefore, the only way to diagnose both non-cancerous and cancerous growths is by assessing your breasts on a regular basis.
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To perform a self-exam, examine the size, shape, and appearance of your breasts. While lying down, feel your every breast using the opposite hand (the right hand for the left breast, etc). Apply firm pressure and examine the entire surface. If you notice anything abnormal as you are conducting your exams, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner an accurate diagnosis can be made.
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2. A lump<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lump <\/a>is a clear indication of a fibroadenoma; it is also the most tell-tale sign of breast cancer. However, as we have stated, not all lumps in the breast are cancerous; in fact, the majority of the masses that are found within women\u2019s breasts are benign, meaning that they are not harmful.  If you spot any lumps in your breasts, then it could be a sign that you have developed a non-cancerous fibroadenoma.
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These growths primarily affect women who are between the ages of 15 and 35, so if you detect one or more lumps in one or both of your breasts, it may be an indication that you have this very common growth. Don\u2019t just assume that the lump is non-cancerous because there is a chance that it could be malignant; therefore, scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible is crucial.
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3. Round shape<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the lump in your breast has a round shape, then it is more than likely a fibroadenoma as opposed to a cancerous tumor<\/a>. In general, malignant tumors tend to have an irregular shape and as such, they will not have a distinct shape, but rather they will present themselves in a shape that resembles an oval or an otherwise distorted circle. Very rarely do cancerous tumors of the breast have a defined round shape.
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Therefore, if you have spotted any lumps within your breasts and they are unquestionably round, then it is far more likely that the mass is a benign fibroadenoma rather than a malignant cancerous tumor. Nevertheless, you should not dismiss the mass because you believe that it has a defined shape; it\u2019s best to check with your healthcare professional to make sure that it is, indeed non-cancerous and to receive a proper diagnosis.
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4. Firm or rubbery texture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is not uncommon for breasts to feel lumpy; in fact, it is completely normal for breasts to feel lumpy, especially in the days leading up to menstruation<\/a>. That\u2019s because they contain a tremendous amount of tissues, as well as glands, both of which can make them feel quite lumpy and bumpy. In most cases, these lumps aren\u2019t a cause for concern.
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Generally, lumps that feel soft or squishy when you touch them aren\u2019t anything to be alarmed about. However, if you feel a mass that has a firm or rubbery texture when you press on it, it might be fibroadenomas have a firm or rubbery texture; it could also be a sign of a cyst, another non-cancerous mass that commonly grows within the breasts. But cancerous also feel hard and rubbery, so if you notice one, schedule an appointment with your doctors ASAP.
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5. A lump that moves easily<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While conducting a self-examination on your breasts, if you find any lumps, and those lumps are easy to move, then it\u2019s more than likely nothing to be concerned about. Benign <\/a>tumors are hard and difficult to move; when you press on one, they will stay firmly affixed in place. Non-cancerous growths are usually soft, have a defined shape with clear borders, and can be moved about in the breast.
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Fibroadenomas are made up of the glandular and connective tissues of the milk ducts and glands, so generally, they are easy to move back and forth or up and down. However, that is not to say that all benign growths are movable and cancerous growths are not. It\u2019s always best to check in with your doctor to receive a proper assessment and diagnosis. If it is diagnosed early enough, breast cancer is highly curable.
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6. Changing sizes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fibroadenomas tend to expand and shrink, and the size often coincides with a woman\u2019s menstrual cycle<\/a>. For example, one of these benign tumors may feel larger the week before and during her period, while it can feel smaller or even non-existent after her period has ended. Furthermore, it is not unusual for these non-cancerous growths to completely clear up on their own, meaning that you might feel a very noticeable lump, and then suddenly, it will start to feel smaller and completely disappear.
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If it feels like your breast lumps are larger in the days leading up to your period and smaller after it ends, it\u2019s likely a fibroadenoma. But, if the lump increases in size and does not get smaller, it could be cancer. As always, it is in your best interest to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you find a lump in your breast.
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7. No nipple discharge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is not unusual for nipple discharge to occur with lumps in the breast. This discharge can happen with both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. For example, clear or milky fluid could be a sign of a hormone imbalance<\/a>, while greenish-black discharge could indicate that there is an infection in one of your milk ducts or any other type of infection.
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Nipple discharge can also present with cancerous lumps within the breast. However, if you notice any of the other signs on this list and there is NO discharge, then it\u2019s more than likely a fibroadenoma.
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8. No symptoms at all<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fibroadenomas can vary in size; obviously, larger lumps are easier to detect, as they can be felt; however, these benign tumors can be so small that you may not be able to feel them at all. For instance, you may not notice any signs that would indicate that you have a fibroadenoma when conducting your own breast examination; but, when you go in for a routine mammogram<\/a>, you may learn that you have one or more of these growths within your breasts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, these benign growths do not cause any pain or discomfort, do not alter the appearance of the breasts, and are generally not considered harmful. Nevertheless, learning that you have a fibroadenoma can certainly be a scary experience. Your healthcare provider will fully educate you about these non-cancerous growths and let you know the best course of action for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Phyllodes Tumor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The phyllodes tumor is a rare form of tumor occurring in the breast. The growth occurs in the connective tissue of the breast, otherwise known as the “Stroma.” According to research from the American Cancer Society, most of these tumors are not cancerous. While they tend to grow quickly, they don’t spread outside the breast area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These tumors can appear at any age, but they are more common in women over 40. These tumors also coincide with a condition called Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Medical experts believe there is some connection to the formation of phyllodes tumor and fibroadenoma, but the relationship between the conditions is unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lump is smooth to touch, and the skin around the affected area may turn red. As the tumor grows, it can cause mild pain in the patient. Occasionally, the growth will burst through the skin, causing the formation of an open sore <\/a>on the breast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Giant Fibroadenomas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The occurrence of giant fibroadenoma typically occurs in women at any age, and even young women in their 20s are at risk of developing these tumors. These are common, benign lesions, and they don’t have much chance of turning cancerous. They are most common in women between the age of 20 and 35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lump feels smooth to touch and might start as a feeling of having a marble-sized ball in your breast. The giant fibroadenoma can quickly grow larger than the standard fibroadenoma, reaching two inches in diameter. The huge size of the tumor starts to cause discomfort when it presses against other tissues in the breast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will monitor the progression of the giant fibroadenoma, and they may arrange surgical removal if it starts producing pain symptoms. However, in many cases, the fibroadenoma disappears by itself over time. In some cases, the tumors can replace breast tissue<\/a>, leaving the patient with a divot in the breast after removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Juvenile Fibroadenomas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Juvenile fibroadenoma is a common type of lump <\/a>occurring in the breast, and it typically affects young women and girls between the ages of ten and 18. These fibroadenomas can grow to a large size in some cases, but most of them shrink and sometimes disappear on their own over a few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like the other types of fibroadenomas, these juvenile types feel smooth to the touch. They can also replace breast tissue, and they may present some discomfort. However, they remain small in most cases and don’t place any pressure on the breast tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like the other types of fibroadenomas, they are not cancerous tumors. Your doctor will monitor you for the progression of the growth and make a decision on the correct treatment as per each individual case. The cause of all fibroadenomas is unknown and remains a mystery to medical science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some experts think there may be a connection between the development of fibroadenomas and the implementation of hormone therapy or birth control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Complex Fibroadenomas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The complex fibroadenoma is a different type, and like the giant version, it can grow rapidly, requiring careful monitoring by your medical professional. These fibroadenomas can cause tissue changes, including the overgrowth of cells, known as “hyperplasia.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You receive a diagnosis from a pathologist for the condition, and they will usually take a biopsy of the tumor to determine the correct course of treatment. In some cases, the pathologist may decide to send you for surgery to remove the fibroadenoma if they feel there is any risk to your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most fibroadenomas, including the complex type, will not cause any increase in the possible development of breast cancer in the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the complex variety of the condition <\/a>does sometimes present a risk for the development of breast cancer in the patient. As a result, you’ll need constant monitoring through the pathologist to determine if you are at risk of developing cancerous tumors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Hormone Imbalance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The exact cause of fibroadenoma is unclear to medical science, despite the huge research on the subject. Some medical experts believe there is a relationship between hormonal changes in the body. When young girls start going through puberty, they experience elevations in the hormone estrogen. As a result of these changes, they may develop the juvenile variant of the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young women in their 20s and 30s may use birth control medication to prevent pregnancy. Birth control is a form of hormonal therapy designed to manipulate estrogen levels to avoid conception. As a result of the hormonal <\/a>changes made by these drugs, the patient may experience the onset of fibroadenoma, but the relationship between the two is unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When women enter their 40s, they may start to undergo hormonal changes as menopause arrives. These hormonal changes to estrogen levels in the body may result in the development of fibroadenomas, but that is not proven science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Malaise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the common symptoms of fibroadenoma is malaise. When a woman finds a lump on her breast, she may panic. Most women assume that the development of a lump in the breast tissue guarantees that they have a cancerous tumor and the early stages of breast cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the thought of having breast cancer, the affected individual will begin to let their mind run wild with the possibilities of their condition. It may take a few days or a week to book a consultation with the doctor for a checkup of the patient’s condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the time to the appointment date, the patient may find that they develop an uncomfortable feeling of anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These feelings occur because they don’t know what I wrong with them or what is causing their symptoms. As a result, the patient may develop anxiety and slight depression at the thought of a bad outcome from the consultation. Typically, feelings of malaise disappear after the patient receives a diagnosis<\/a>, placing their mind at rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the formation and development of fibroadenoma cause no pain. The patient notices a small lump developing in the breast tissue, and they will make an appointment with their doctor for consultation and diagnosis. If they have a giant or complex fibroadenoma, or phyllodes tumor, the patient may experience some pain in the breast as the tumor brows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the giant type, the pressure of the growth on the surrounding tissues in the breast may cause sensations of discomfort<\/a>. The complex toe and the phyllodes tumor may cause feelings of pain. If you notice pain coming from the growth, especially when you touch it, make an appointment to see your medical professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctor may refer you to a pathologist if they think you have the complex type or a phyllodes tumor. If you’re struggling with pain, the doctor may prescribe OTC or prescription painkillers, depending on the severity of your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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