What should you know about investigation of fibroadenoma?

A fibroadenoma is a solid breast lump made from glandular and supporting tissue. It often feels smooth, firm, and mobile, but touch alone cannot confirm its nature. The clinician asks when you noticed it, whether it changes with your cycle, and whether there is pain, nipple discharge, skin change, or a family history of breast disease.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to show whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled and to examine its edges. Depending on your age, examination, and scan appearance, mammography or a core needle biopsy may also be recommended. A biopsy removes small tissue samples for laboratory examination; it does not mean cancer has been found.

Attend the imaging appointment even if the lump is painless or has been present for a while. Tell the team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking blood thinners, or have allergies. Wear clothing that is easy to remove from the waist up and ask how results will be given.

Many confirmed fibroadenomas can be monitored when their features and symptoms are reassuring. Review is more likely to be discussed if the lump grows, causes discomfort, has unusual imaging features, or remains uncertain. Removal is an option in selected cases and can be discussed with the breast team.

Arrange a breast assessment for any new lump, even though a breast lump can have many benign causes. Seek prompt advice for rapid growth, skin dimpling, a nipple turning inward, bloody discharge, redness with fever, or an armpit swelling.

After a biopsy, contact the service for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge, fever, or bleeding that does not settle with pressure. Use emergency care for severe bleeding, fainting, or difficulty breathing.

Ask what the examination and scan show, whether a biopsy is advised, when results should arrive, and whether the lump needs monitoring. If removal is suggested, ask about the reason, expected scar, recovery, and alternatives.