Does breast lump excision treat fibroadenoma?

A fibroadenoma is a solid, usually non-cancerous breast lump. During excision, a surgeon removes the lump through an incision, and the tissue can be sent for laboratory examination. Excision may be considered when the lump is growing, painful, large, causing concern, or not clearly characterised by examination and imaging. A confirmed, stable fibroadenoma may be monitored instead, depending on your circumstances.

Discuss the examination and imaging findings with a breast specialist. Ask whether a needle biopsy is recommended before surgery and what alternatives are suitable. If excision is chosen, ask about the incision location, anaesthesia, expected recovery, scar care, and how the result will be communicated. Do not stop regular medicines without specific instructions from your clinical team.

Arrange prompt review if a known fibroadenoma changes in size or feel, or if a new lump appears. After surgery, contact your care team for worsening pain, increasing redness or swelling, fever, drainage from the wound, or bleeding that does not settle with pressure. New symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be part of the original lump.

Ask why excision is being recommended in your case and whether monitoring or biopsy could be appropriate. Ask how the procedure may affect breast shape, what recovery usually involves, and which wound changes require a call to the surgical team.