Fibroadenoma: understanding a breast lump

It is made from glandular and supporting breast tissue. Many feel smooth, firm or rubbery and move beneath the skin, yet feel alone cannot establish what a lump is.

Assessment begins with the history and a breast and underarm examination. Imaging, often ultrasound, helps show whether a lump is solid and whether its outline has features that fit a fibroadenoma. Depending on the findings, a clinician may recommend a needle biopsy to examine tissue.

Fibroadenomas may stay the same size, become smaller or change with hormonal shifts. The agreed plan depends on symptoms, changes over time, imaging, tissue results and personal preferences.

Attend the recommended imaging or clinic follow-up and note any change in size, shape, mobility or discomfort. If the clinical and imaging findings are reassuring, monitoring may avoid an unnecessary procedure.

Removal may be discussed when a lump grows, causes troublesome symptoms, has uncertain findings or when removal is preferred after counselling. Surgery leaves a scar and can alter the breast contour, so the benefits and trade-offs should be clear before consent.

Arrange an appointment for any newly noticed breast or armpit lump, even if it causes no pain or moves under the skin. Return sooner if a known lump enlarges, becomes fixed or painful, or feels different from before.

Promptly report skin dimpling, persistent redness, nipple inversion that is new, bloody nipple discharge, or a change in breast shape. These signs do not identify the cause by themselves, but they require clinical assessment.

Ask which findings support the diagnosis, whether biopsy is advised, how follow-up will work and what specific changes warrant an earlier visit. If removal is offered, discuss the technique, scar position, recovery and possible effect on breast shape.