What should you know about simple fibroadenoma?

Fibroadenomas can occur at different ages and may change with hormonal shifts, including pregnancy or the menstrual cycle. A simple fibroadenoma has the usual benign pattern without complex features. Texture and movement can suggest a fibroadenoma, but examination alone cannot confirm the diagnosis because other breast lumps can feel similar. A Breast Ultrasound may show whether a lump has a solid, smooth appearance, while a Breast Biopsy can examine tissue when imaging or examination leaves uncertainty.

Follow the assessment plan rather than repeatedly pressing the lump, which can make the area sore. If imaging and examination support a simple fibroadenoma, monitoring may be appropriate. Keep appointments and report a clear change in size, shape or symptoms. Removal may be discussed if the lump is enlarging, painful, unusually large, distressing, or not confidently identified. Breast Lump Excision is a procedure used to remove a breast lump and can be discussed with a breast specialist.

Arrange a clinical assessment for any new breast lump, even when it feels smooth or mobile. Seek prompt review for rapid enlargement, skin dimpling, nipple inversion that is new, bloody nipple discharge, persistent one-sided pain, or a lump in the armpit. These findings do not establish cancer, but they should not be ignored and may change the tests recommended.

Ask which features support a simple fibroadenoma, whether ultrasound is needed, when monitoring should be repeated, what change should trigger review, and whether biopsy or excision would add useful certainty.