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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing a fibroadenoma 
Fibroadenoma

Fibroadenomas (fi-bro-ad-uh-NO-muhz) are solid, noncancerous tumors that often occur in women during their reproductive years. 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. Fibroadenomas are more common among women in their 20s and 30s.

Fibroadenomas are one of the most common breast lumps in premenopausal women. Fibroadenomas range in size from less than 1 centimeter to several centimeters in diameter. They can get bigger during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Treatment may include careful monitoring to detect changes in the size or feel of the fibroadenoma or surgery to remove it.

References
  1. American Cancer Society. Non-Cancerous Breast Conditions. Accessed May 18, 2009.
  2. Giuliano AE. Breast Disorders (Chapter). In: McPhee SJ, et al, eds. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2009, Forty-Eighth Edition. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies. 20009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=8538. Accessed May 18, 2009.
  3. Sabel MS. Overview of benign breast disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2009.
  4. National Cancer Institute. Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide For Women. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed May 18, 20009.
  5. Fletcher SW et al. Primary care evaluation of breast lumps in adult women, http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 18, 2009.
  6. Courtillot C, et al. Benign breast diseases. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2005; 10:325-335.
  7. Harris JR et al. Diseases of the breast. Philadelphia, Pa.:Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004, p. 45-47.

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May 27, 2009

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