What should you know about fibroadenoma with sclerosing adenosis?

A fibroadenoma is a solid lump made from connective and glandular breast tissue. Sclerosing adenosis means that some glands are compressed or crowded by firm supporting tissue. Together, these changes can feel like a lump and can look unusual on an ultrasound or mammogram. The word sclerosing describes tissue firmness; it does not by itself mean cancer.

A pathologist may use the phrase after examining tissue from a core biopsy or an excision. Imaging findings, the physical examination and the amount of tissue sampled all help determine whether the result explains the lump fully.

Keep the imaging and pathology appointments that were arranged for you. Ask whether the biopsy result matches the scan and examination, sometimes called radiology-pathology concordance. Depending on the size, symptoms and certainty of the result, your clinician may recommend observation, repeat imaging, another biopsy or removal of the lump.

If removal is advised, [Breast Lump Excision](/treatments/breast-care/breast-lump-excision/) can explain the procedure. [Breast Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-biopsy/) and [Breast Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/breast-ultrasound/) describe common ways clinicians assess breast tissue.

Arrange prompt clinical review for a new or enlarging lump, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, bloody discharge, or a persistent change in breast shape. Seek urgent help if breast redness, swelling, severe pain or fever is worsening, because infection can need timely treatment.

Ask: Does the pathology explain the imaging finding? Is observation enough, and when should imaging be repeated? Would removal provide useful certainty? Which changes should make me return sooner?