Diagnosis of fibroadenoma: what to know

A fibroadenoma is a solid breast lump made from glandular and connective tissue. During examination, the clinician considers the lump’s size, shape, firmness, mobility and position, as well as changes in the skin, nipple or nearby lymph nodes. An ultrasound can show whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled and can guide further assessment. Depending on age, breast tissue and imaging findings, mammography or another scan may be considered. A breast biopsy removes a small sample for laboratory examination when imaging and examination do not provide enough certainty. Most breast lumps are benign, but every new or changing lump deserves assessment.

Arrange a clinical breast assessment rather than trying to identify the lump by touch alone. Note when you first noticed it, whether it changes with your menstrual cycle, and any pain, discharge or skin change. Bring previous breast imaging if available. Your clinician may recommend monitoring, [Breast Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-ultrasound/), [Breast Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-biopsy/) or removal with [Breast Lump Excision](/treatments/breast-care/breast-lump-excision/), depending on the findings and your preferences.

Book a prompt appointment for a new breast lump, a lump that is growing or changing, nipple discharge that is bloody, nipple inversion, persistent one-sided pain, skin dimpling, redness or swelling. Seek urgent care for a rapidly worsening painful red breast with fever, or for severe illness. These symptoms do not establish a diagnosis, but they should not be delayed while waiting to see whether the change settles.

Ask what the examination and scan show, whether the lump has features of a fibroadenoma, and whether tissue sampling is recommended. Ask how long monitoring would last, what changes should prompt earlier review, whether removal is necessary, and how a biopsy or excision would be performed.