Treatment of benign breast lumps
A fibroadenoma is a common benign breast lump, typically smooth, firm and movable under the fingers. They are found most often in younger women.
Many need no treatment beyond confirmation of the diagnosis and periodic review. Removal is considered when a lump is large, growing or causing concern.
Often not. A fibroadenoma that has been confirmed on examination and imaging, is small and is not growing can usually be monitored rather than removed. Surgery is considered when the lump is large, enlarging, painful, or when imaging or biopsy findings are not entirely clear — and also when the patient would simply rather have it out than live with it. That choice is a legitimate reason.
Understanding the Condition
A fibroadenoma is a benign breast lump made up of glandular and connective tissue. It is one of the commonest causes of a breast lump in younger women.
Fibroadenomas are typically smooth, firm and movable — they tend to slip away under the fingers, which is why they are sometimes described as breast mice.
They are not cancerous, and having one does not in itself meaningfully change your future risk. They may grow slowly, stay the same for years, or shrink over time.
Warning Signs
You may notice any of the following.
A lump that grows quickly, becomes fixed, or is accompanied by skin dimpling, nipple discharge or underarm swelling should be assessed promptly rather than assumed to be a fibroadenoma.
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully established, though hormones play a part.
Treatment
Confirming the diagnosis comes first. Many fibroadenomas are then simply monitored.
Treatment decisions depend on the size of the lump, whether it is growing, imaging findings and your own preference.
What to Expect
A clinical breast examination and discussion of how long the lump has been present.
Imaging assesses the size, shape and characteristics of the lump.
Where findings are not clear-cut, a needle biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
Many are reviewed periodically. Where excision is advised, it is explained in full first.
Your Surgeon
Dr. Kamalakkhannan is an experienced general, laparoscopic and laser surgeon with over 15 years of expertise across a wide range of surgical conditions.
Where excision is performed, incisions are planned with the cosmetic result in mind.
Why Patients Choose Lapser
Extensive experience across general, laparoscopic and laser surgical procedures.
Examination and, where needed, imaging come before any talk of treatment.
Many of these conditions need monitoring rather than surgery, and you will be told so plainly.
Recommendations based on your findings, symptoms and individual circumstances.
Where an incision is needed, techniques aim for the least visible result possible.
Consultations every day, including evenings, at Sithalapakkam and Velachery.
Book a consultation if you have any of the following.
Early evaluation helps identify the most appropriate treatment and often provides reassurance.
Frequently Asked
No. A fibroadenoma is a benign breast lump. Evaluation confirms the diagnosis.
Not always. Small, confirmed fibroadenomas that are not growing can be monitored. Removal is considered when a lump is large, enlarging or causing concern.
Some shrink over time, particularly after menopause. Others remain unchanged for years.
A new fibroadenoma can develop elsewhere in the breast. This is not a failure of the original surgery.
An incision is required, but it is planned to be as discreet as possible.
Fibroadenomas do not usually interfere with breastfeeding. Any concerns can be discussed at consultation.
If you have found a firm, movable lump in your breast, evaluation will confirm what it is and whether removal is worth considering.
The information on this page is for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A lump can only be characterised through clinical examination and appropriate investigations, and any new or changing lump should be assessed by a qualified doctor. This page does not describe cancer treatment; where investigations raise that possibility, you will be advised on the appropriate specialist pathway.
