Cellular Fibroadenoma of the Breast

The word cellular describes how closely packed some supporting-tissue cells look under a microscope. It does not by itself mean breast cancer, but the care team must ensure the sample and imaging fit together.

Breast ultrasound helps describe the lump's shape, margins, internal appearance and size. Depending on age and clinical context, other breast imaging may be added. A core biopsy removes small tissue samples so a pathologist can examine the glandular and stromal components.

Cellular fibroadenoma can overlap in appearance with other fibroepithelial lesions, including phyllodes tumour. The distinction depends on the tissue features, whether the biopsy adequately represents the lump, and whether the pathology agrees with the examination and imaging.

If imaging and biopsy are concordant and reassuring, planned clinical and imaging follow-up may be offered. Keep the recommended appointments and note whether the lump changes between visits without repeatedly pressing or measuring it.

Surgical removal may be discussed when the lump enlarges, causes discomfort, creates visible distortion, has uncertain or discordant findings, or when a more complete tissue examination is needed. The decision should balance diagnostic confidence, symptoms, scar placement and personal preference.

Arrange review if the lump grows, becomes newly painful, feels fixed, or is accompanied by skin dimpling, nipple pulling, bloody nipple discharge or a new underarm swelling. These features do not establish the cause, but they warrant a fresh breast assessment.

Seek prompt help for increasing redness, warmth, fever, pus or rapidly worsening swelling, particularly after biopsy or surgery. These can signal infection, bleeding or another complication that should be examined.

Ask whether the imaging and pathology are concordant, whether the biopsy sampled enough of the lesion, and what feature led to the word cellular. If follow-up is advised, confirm which examination or scan is planned. If excision is proposed, discuss the reason, anaesthesia, scar location and expected breast shape.