Fibroadenoma

Fibroadenoma
Other namesBreast mice, breast mouse
Histopathologic image of breast fibroadenoma. Core needle biopsy. H&E stain.
SpecialtyGynecology

Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumours characterized by an admixture of stromal and epithelial tissue. Breasts are made of lobules (milk producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry the milk to the nipple). These are surrounded by glandular, fibrous and fatty tissues. Fibroadenomas develop from the lobules. The glandular tissue and ducts grow over the lobule to form a solid lump.

Since both fibroadenomas and breast lumps as a sign of breast cancer can appear similar, it is recommended to perform ultrasound analyses and possibly tissue sampling with subsequent histopathologic analysis in order to make a proper diagnosis. Unlike typical lumps from breast cancer, fibroadenomas are easy to move, with clearly defined edges.[1][2]

Fibroadenomas are sometimes called breast mice or a breast mouse owing to their high mobility in the breast.[3]

  1. ^ 22-251c.Fibroadenomas at Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Home Edition
  2. ^ Tavassoli, F.A.; Devilee, P., eds. (2003). World Health Organization Classification of Tumours: Pathology & Genetics: Tumours of the breast and female genital organs. Lyon: IARC Press. ISBN 978-92-832-2412-9.[page needed]
  3. ^ Dirbas, Fredrick M.; Scott-Conner, Carol E.H., eds. (2010). Breast surgery office management and surgical techniques. New York: Springer. p. 71. ISBN 978-1-4419-6075-7.