What should you know about features of fibroadenoma?

A fibroadenoma is formed from glandular and supporting breast tissue. It is often round or oval, firm and separate from nearby tissue, and may slide slightly beneath the fingers. It can be painless or tender, and hormonal changes may make it feel different during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. One or several lumps may occur. These patterns are suggestive rather than diagnostic: cysts and other breast conditions can also produce a smooth, mobile lump.

Book an appointment for a new lump, even if it is not painful. A clinician may arrange a Breast Ultrasound to assess its structure and may recommend a Breast Biopsy when imaging or examination is not conclusive. Once a fibroadenoma is confirmed, observation with planned review can be suitable for a stable lump. Breast Lump Excision is an option if it grows, causes discomfort, affects breast shape, or remains difficult to characterise.

Seek prompt review for a lump that changes quickly, feels fixed or irregular, or comes with skin dimpling, nipple inversion, bloody discharge, persistent redness or a change in breast contour. Fever with warmth and swelling may indicate infection and also needs medical attention. Most breast lumps are benign, but only an appropriate assessment can explain an individual finding.

Ask what the examination and scan show, whether a biopsy would add useful information, how the lump will be monitored, and what growth or new symptom should bring the review forward.