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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Fibroadenomas (fy-broe-ad-uh-NO-muhz) are solid, noncancerous breast tumors that most often occur in adolescent girls and women under the age of 30.

A fibroadenoma is a firm, smooth, rubbery or hard lump with a well-defined shape. It moves easily under your skin when touched and is usually painless. Typically about the size of a marble, fibroadenomas can enlarge during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Fibroadenomas are one of the most common breast lumps in young women. Treatment may include careful monitoring to detect changes in the size or feel of the fibroadenoma, or surgery to remove it.

Symptoms
References
  1. Valea FA, et al. Benign breast disease. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  2. Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening/understanding-breast-changes/AllPages. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  3. Sabel MS. Overview of benign breast disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  4. Iglehart JD, et al. Benign breast tumors and related diseases. In: Townsend CM Jr, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1565/0.html. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  5. Non-cancerous breast conditions: Fibroadenomas. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/WomensHealth/Non-CancerousBreastConditions/non-cancerous-breast-conditions-fibroadenomas. Accessed March 24, 2011.
  6. Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 5, 2011.
DS01069 May 27, 2011

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