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Review
. 1998 Sep;13(9):640-5.
doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1998.cr188.x.

Management of breast fibroadenomas

R Greenberg  1 , Y Skornick, O Kaplan
Affiliations
Review

Management of breast fibroadenomas

R Greenberg et al. J Gen Intern Med. 1998 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: To identify from the literature and clinical experience a rational approach to management of fibroadenomas of the breast.

Method: Recent literature on detection, diagnosis, and natural history of fibroadenomas was reviewed. Experience with over 4,000 women evaluated in the breast clinic at the Tel-Aviv Medical Center contributed to the management strategies suggested by review of the literature.

Results: Fibroadenomas of the breast are common, accounting for 50% of all breast biopsies performed. Physical examination, sonography, and fine needle aspiration are effective in distinguishing fibroadenomas from breast cancer. Transformation from fibroadenoma to cancer is rare; regression or resolution is frequent, supporting conservative approaches to follow-up and management.

Conclusion: Age-based algorithms that allow for conservative management and that limit excision to patients whose fibroadenomas fail to regress are presented.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Histologic section of a fibroadenoma (hematoxylin-eosin staining, × 40). The cellular fibroblastic stroma, which resembles intralobular stroma, encloses glandular and cystic spaces lined by epithelium. Round and oval gland spaces, lined by either single or multiple cell layers, are present in other areas. The stroma in the connective tissue appears to have undergone a more active proliferation with compression on the gland spaces.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Macroscopic appearance of a fibroadenoma. The spherical mass is sharply circumscribed, and could be easily separated from the surrounding breast tissue. The section margins have a green-white color, and contain slit-like spaces.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sonographic appearance of a fibroadenoma. The mass is homogenous, with sharp and smooth margins. Slight posterior and edge enhancements are visible. Neither compression effects nor internal echoes are present.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Management of a fibroadenoma (FA) in women younger than 35 years of age.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Management of a fibroadenoma (FA) in women older than 35 years of age.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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