What should you know about a large breast fibroadenoma?

A fibroadenoma is a solid breast lump made from glandular and supporting tissue. It is often smooth, firm and mobile under the fingers, although texture and movement vary. A large lump may feel uncomfortable, alter breast shape or become more noticeable with hormonal changes. A breast examination cannot reliably identify every type of lump, so imaging helps show its features and location.

A fibroadenoma is commonly non-cancerous, but a new, growing or changing lump still deserves assessment. The lump itself does not establish a cancer diagnosis, and a biopsy may be needed when imaging or examination is not conclusive.

Book a breast assessment for a new or enlarging lump, even if it feels smooth or painless. The clinician may recommend breast ultrasound, and sometimes other imaging or a breast biopsy, depending on your age, examination and scan findings. If the diagnosis is clear and the lump is stable, monitoring may be discussed. Removal can be considered when a fibroadenoma is large, growing, painful, distorting the breast or causing ongoing worry.

Record when you first noticed it, whether it changes with your menstrual cycle, and any family history of breast disease. Avoid repeatedly pressing the lump, which can increase tenderness.

Arrange prompt review for rapid enlargement, a fixed or very hard area, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, spontaneous bloody discharge, a change in breast shape, or a lump in the armpit. Seek urgent help for severe infection-like redness with fever or rapidly worsening pain.

Ask whether the imaging features fit a fibroadenoma, whether tissue sampling is needed, how growth will be monitored, and what benefits and effects removal might have.