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Fibroadenomas are a type of noncancerous breast lump that about 10 percent of women will develop at some point in their lives. Doctors don’t often recommend surgery to treat fibroadenomas, but there are rare cases in which surgery may be an appealing or necessary treatment option.
A fibroadenoma can go away on its own, or it can be shrunk with treatments such as cryoablation (freezing) or radiofrequency ablation (heating). In many cases, breast specialists recommend monitoring it to make sure it doesn’t grow or become cancerous.
Although many fibroadenomas don’t require treatment, surgery might be a good option for your health or your own peace of mind. In this article, we’ll cover some situations in which you might consider fibroadenoma surgery based on your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
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Potential Risks of Surgery for FibroadenomasFor many people, fibroadenoma surgery, or surgical excision of a fibroadenoma, can have more risks than benefits. This is especially true for those with low-risk fibroadenomas that would otherwise likely go away on their own.
Fibroadenoma surgery is essentially a lumpectomy (breast lump removal), which means it comes with similar surgical risks and complications, such as the following:
It can also involve some recovery time and can leave permanent scars. If your doctor hasn’t recommended surgery to treat your fibroadenoma, the modest benefits of fibroadenoma surgery might not be worth these risks and drawbacks.
Fibroadenomas can come back even after you’ve had them surgically removed. You should discuss the risks and benefits of fibroadenoma surgery with your doctor in the context of your individual case.
There are cases in which the benefits of fibroadenoma surgery can outweigh the risks. Discussing the pros and cons of fibroadenoma treatment with your breast specialist can help you decide if surgery is worth considering. Your breast specialist might recommend fibroadenoma surgery under the following circumstances.
Your breast specialist might advise you to consider fibroadenoma removal surgery if your breast lump is larger than 2 centimeters across. Larger fibroadenomas are more likely to cause pain in your breast.
Most fibroadenomas grow slowly or are actively shrinking. Your breast specialist might recommend fibroadenoma removal if yours is growing rapidly.
An initial core needle biopsy might be used to test a small sample of
fibroadenoma tissue for cancer cells. If your breast specialist is concerned about the results, they may determine that your fibroadenoma is high-risk and recommend fibroadenoma surgery to remove the entire lump.
Your breast specialist might consider other aspects of your breast cancer risk when deciding whether or not to remove a fibroadenoma. Only about 0.3 percent of fibroadenomas turn into breast cancer, but if you’re older than 40, you might have a higher risk. You may also be at a higher risk of cancer if the fibroadenoma has unusual features.
If a fibroadenoma causes pain, it may be worth removing it with surgery. Most fibroadenomas aren’t painful, but a large or growing fibroadenoma might cause some discomfort. Fibroadenomas can cause some breast tenderness around the time of your period, but this is not usually a cause for concern.
It’s important to note that pain associated with a fibroadenoma might not go away after fibroadenoma surgery. If you’re considering surgery for a painful fibroadenoma, discuss the risks and benefits with your breast specialist.
Recurrent fibroadenomas, or fibroadenomas that return after going away, are linked to an increased risk of becoming cancerous. This is especially true when there are multiple recurrences.
Although some fibroadenomas might come back after treatment, they’re less likely to return if they’ve been completely removed with surgery.
Certain types of fibroadenomas tend to be higher risk than others. If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these types, your doctor might recommend fibroadenoma surgery to remove the lump.
Complex Fibroadenomas
Unlike simple fibroadenomas, complex fibroadenomas tend to have inconsistencies within their tissue, such as cysts or hardened areas. They tend to be large, have irregular shapes, and most often occur in women over 35.
Only about 15 percent of all fibroadenomas are considered complex. Complex fibroadenomas may have a slightly higher risk of progressing into cancer, which is why your breast specialist might suggest surgery.
Giant Fibroadenomas
Giant fibroadenomas are benign breast lumps that are larger than 5 centimeters across. Your fibroadenoma may also be considered a giant fibroadenoma if it takes up at least 80 percent of your breast tissue. These are most likely to develop during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If your fibroadenoma is excessively large, your provider might opt for an excisional biopsy. This type of breast biopsy involves removing the entire lump, then examining it closely in a lab for signs of cancer.
Juvenile Fibroadenomas
Juvenile fibroadenomas are fibroadenomas that develop in girls under 18, usually between ages 10 and 18. Juvenile fibroadenomas tend to grow quickly and can change the appearance of breast skin, causing inflammation, dilation, or stretching.
While juvenile fibroadenomas are rare, they’re considered to be high-risk and may require surgical removal. Surgery for a juvenile fibroadenoma might reduce cancer risk, discomfort, and any psychological stress that comes with the diagnosis.
Some fibroadenomas may be large or irregularly shaped enough that they change the overall shape or appearance of your breast. A fibroadenoma in one breast can make your breasts asymmetrical.
If you have concerns about the way your breast with a fibroadenoma looks, discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Keep in mind that fibroadenoma surgery can also change the way your breast looks, especially if the fibroadenoma was large or fast-growing. Your breast specialist can help you compare treatments to minimize the impact on your breast’s appearance.
You might have your own personal reasons for feeling worried about a fibroadenoma, such as a personal history or family history of breast cancer. Though it’s understandable to feel concerned after you find a lump in your breast, fibroadenomas usually don’t become cancerous or increase your risk of future breast cancer.
Even if your fibroadenoma is benign and not considered complex or high-risk, it’s perfectly fine to consider surgery for your own peace of mind. Your doctor can help you decide on the best path forward while considering your preferences.
Your breast specialist can help you decide whether or not fibroadenoma surgery is the right choice for you. They’ll tell you about the features of your fibroadenoma and whether it is considered high risk.
Be sure to tell your breast specialist about any concerns you have about the fibroadenoma itself, breast surgery, or the decision to monitor a fibroadenoma instead of treating it right away. They can answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your healthcare.
As always, report any new breast changes or lumps you notice on your own with a self-exam. Continue getting mammogram screenings according to your doctor’s recommendations.
On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Do you have any other reasons for considering breast fibroadenoma surgery? Let others know in the comments below.
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