When is breast lump excision recommended for fibroadenoma?

Excision removes the lump through an incision, usually after examination and breast imaging. A tissue sample may be recommended before surgery or the removed lump may be examined afterward. Many fibroadenomas can be monitored when findings are reassuring, symptoms are limited, and the lump remains stable. The choice depends on the diagnosis, breast size and shape, symptoms, and your preferences.

Bring previous scans and biopsy reports to the surgical consultation. Discuss the incision site, anaesthesia, likely scar, recovery, pain relief, and how removal could affect breast shape. Tell the team about medicines, allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and any bleeding tendency. Ask whether monitoring or another tissue sample is reasonable before choosing surgery.

Arrange review for a new lump, clear growth, persistent pain, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, or unexpected discharge. After excision, contact the surgical team for fever, worsening redness, increasing swelling, wound separation, or bleeding that continues. A breast lump is not proof of cancer, but a changing lump deserves assessment.

Ask why excision is being recommended, whether the diagnosis is confirmed, and what would happen with monitoring. Ask about the expected scar, recovery plan, pathology review, and signs that should lead to an earlier appointment.