Benign Breast Lump (Fibroadenoma)

What it is

Most breast lumps are benign, and the most common among young women is fibroadenoma: a firm, mobile lump with well-defined borders that is usually painless, formed by glandular and fibrous tissue, which can grow in response to hormones — during pregnancy, for example. Other benign lumps include cysts, lipomas, hamartomas and fibrocystic changes. Even so, every new lump needs to be evaluated: the breast specialist performs a clinical exam and orders ultrasound and, depending on age, mammography; when there is doubt, needle biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Small, stable fibroadenomas can simply be monitored with periodic exams; removal is indicated when they grow, cause discomfort, or raise diagnostic doubt.

Most common symptoms

• Firm, mobile lump in the breast, noticed while bathing or dressing
• Well-defined edges, like a small ball that slides under the fingers
• Usually painless, sometimes tender before menstruation
• Can grow during pregnancy or with hormone use
• A single lump or several, in one or both breasts
• Found on a routine exam, with no symptoms at all

Causes and risk factors

• Hormonal stimulation of the breast's glandular and fibrous tissue
• Young age: fibroadenoma is most common between ages 15 and 35
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding and hormone use, which can stimulate growth
• Family history of benign lumps
• Other benign lesions: cysts, lipomas, hamartomas and fibrocystic changes

How it is diagnosed

The assessment begins with a clinical exam of the breasts and armpits, in which your breast specialist evaluates the lump's size, consistency, mobility and edges. Ultrasound, performed on site, is the first imaging exam in young women; mammography is added depending on age and breast density. When the features are not typical of a benign lesion, or when there is doubt, an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy takes a small sample for analysis and confirms the diagnosis.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

The approach depends on the type of lump, its size and the features seen on exams. Small, stable fibroadenomas with a confirmed diagnosis can simply be monitored, with clinical exams and ultrasound at regular intervals, without the need for surgery. Removal is considered when the lump grows, causes discomfort, raises doubt on exams, or worries the patient. The breast health team at Femi Saúde performs the assessment, needle aspiration and ultrasound-guided biopsy, and guides surgery when indicated, with an incision planned to preserve the breast's appearance. The plan is individualized, defined together with the patient and reviewed at follow-up visits.

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