Fibroadenoma: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
A 24-year-old woman presents with a firm, non-tender, well-defined breast mass measuring 2 cm in size. The patient reports that the mass became more noticeable during her recent pregnancy. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Intraductal papilloma
B. Fibroadenoma
C. Lipoma
D. Fibrocystic disease
E. Phyllodes tumor
Answer and topic summary
The answer is B. Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are the most common type of benign breast tumor (50% of all breast biopsies). They typically appear in women ages 15 to 35 years old. A clue that a patient has a fibroadenoma (and not another type of tumor) is that the size of a fibroadenoma may increase with higher estrogen levels (e.g., pregnancy, around ovulation, etc). On physical exam, you should notice a mobile, non-tender, firm, and well-defined mass (2-3 cm in size usually). The initial diagnostic test is an ultrasound. Definitive diagnosis is with a core biopsy. For the average person, fibroadenomas do NOT increase the risk for malignancy or cancer. Most can be managed conservatively without surgery. Fibroadenomas that are symptomatic though or increasing in size may require surgical excision.
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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Reproductive System ⇒ ⇒ Fibroadenoma
