Powered By
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Most fibroadenomas are simple. Complex fibroadenomas are less common, making up about 1 in 6 fibroadenomas diagnosed on biopsy, when the tissue sample is examined under a microscope.
A fibroadenoma is called “complex” when it has certain features that can be seen under a microscope. You can’t tell whether a lump is complex or simple just by touch.
Some studies suggest that having a complex fibroadenoma slightly raises your risk of breast cancer. However, other studies have found that a complex fibroadenoma is not an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
Sign up to view the results!
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Read on to learn what a complex fibroadenoma is, when doctors may recommend removal, and what research says about the link to breast cancer risk.
A fibroadenoma is a noncancerous breast lump made of fibrous tissue and glandular tissue. Fibrous tissue gives breasts their shape and support. Glandular tissue contains the lobules, which are the small glands that produce milk.
Normally, these tissues form a mesh that may feel lumpy, spongy, or like soft oatmeal.
A fibroadenoma feels different. It’s a firm, rubbery, smooth lump that moves easily under the skin, standing out from the softer tissue around it.
Simple and complex fibroadenomas usually feel the same. Only a biopsy (usually a core needle biopsy) can confirm the type. After the biopsy sample is examined in a lab, your pathology report will state which type you have.
Simple and complex fibroadenomas mainly differ in how they look under a microscope and in their effect on long-term breast cancer risk.
The tissue in a simple fibroadenoma looks the same throughout when examined under a microscope. A complex fibroadenoma has one or more tissue changes, including:
A fibroadenoma only needs one of these features to be classified as complex.
Complex fibroadenomas tend to show up later in life, most often after age 35. They also tend to be smaller than simple fibroadenomas.
“I found my complex fibroadenoma at age 40. I almost missed it,” a member of MyBCTeam said. “I went through the whole ordeal. I was stressed and googled everything. My results came back as a benign complex fibroadenoma, which is more likely in women my age. Waiting is the hardest part.”
When it comes to complex fibroadenomas and breast cancer risk, studies have shown mixed results. However, a complex fibroadenoma may be associated with about three times the breast cancer risk of the general population, and the risk may be closer to four times as high when certain changes are also present in nearby breast tissue.
It’s important to know that a complex fibroadenoma isn’t cancer, and it doesn’t turn into cancer. Instead, it may be a marker that other changes are present in the surrounding breast tissue. Those other changes, not the fibroadenoma itself, are thought to account for the slightly higher cancer risk.
Even with this increased risk, the overall chance of developing breast cancer remains low. Your risk also depends on other factors, such as a family history of breast cancer.
Doctors don’t recommend additional breast screening based on a complex fibroadenoma diagnosis alone.
To better understand your pathology report and your personal breast cancer risk, talk with your doctor. They can explain details like your biopsy results, family history, and other health factors.
Most fibroadenomas, including complex ones, don’t cause pain. Many people first become aware of a complex fibroadenoma as a solid lump felt during a breast self-exam or when it’s found on a mammogram.
Some people do have breast pain or tenderness, especially in the days before their period. This may happen because fibroadenomas can respond to the same hormone changes that affect normal breast tissue during the menstrual cycle. Larger fibroadenomas are more likely to cause discomfort than smaller ones.
“I got my complex fibroadenoma report three months ago. It’s been very painful, regardless of where I am in my cycle,” a MyBCTeam member said. “It’s painful when touched and painful when not touched. The pain is like a stabbing pain throughout my breast and sometimes chest, armpit, or shoulder. I’m so nervous.”
“I’m in a similar boat,” another member replied. “The pain had me really worried at first. My doctor explained that pain on its own isn’t a sign of something more serious, since breast cancer usually doesn’t cause pain in its early stages. That helped me stop assuming the worst every time it ached.”
If you’re having ongoing pain from a complex fibroadenoma, tell your doctor or gynecologist. Before your appointment, these steps may offer some relief:
Not every complex fibroadenoma needs to come out. Many can be monitored over time with regular imaging. However, your doctor may recommend surgically removing a complex fibroadenoma for several reasons.
If your imaging or biopsy results are inconclusive, removing the lump and examining it in more detail may be the only way to rule out more serious conditions.
A family history of breast cancer can raise your risk. So can having a high-risk gene mutation (change), such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. If either applies to you, your doctor may lean toward removal, even if the lump appears benign (not suspicious).
Doctors use a rating scale called the Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System (BI-RADS) to describe how a finding looks on breast imaging.
A low score such as BI-RADS 2 means the finding is benign, and a BI-RADS 3 score means it’s probably benign. These findings can usually be monitored over time. A BI-RADS 4 or 5 score raises more concern for cancer, so a biopsy or removal may be recommended.
A fibroadenoma that is larger than about 1 inch (2.5 to 3 centimeters) or keeps growing may be removed to prevent changes in breast shape or ongoing discomfort.
Persistent pain, tenderness, or pressure that affects your daily life may be a reason to consider removal. Some people also choose to have a fibroadenoma removed for peace of mind, even after it’s confirmed to be harmless.
If surgery is recommended, it’s usually an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. The most common approach involves a surgical excision to remove the lump.
Depending on the fibroadenoma’s size and location, some surgeons may offer a less invasive procedure, such as vacuum-assisted removal or cryoablation, which freezes the tissue to destroy it instead of cutting it out through surgery.
Most people recover within a few weeks.
If you’ve been diagnosed with complex fibroadenoma, consider asking your doctor:
Getting familiar with how your fibroadenoma normally feels makes it easier to notice changes. If your doctor recommends monthly self-checks, pay attention to any new lumps or changes, and keep all recommended follow-up imaging and appointments.
If you’ve just been diagnosed, take a breath. A complex fibroadenoma is a benign, manageable condition. Your healthcare team can help you understand what it means for your individual health.
On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer and other breast conditions, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you been diagnosed with a complex fibroadenoma? Let others know in the comments below.
Get updates directly to your inbox.
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
This is a member-feature!
Sign up for free to view article comments.
We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.
You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.