- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Breast Mass/Fibroadenoma
May also be called: Breast Lump, Benign Breast Tumor
A fibroadenoma (fy-bro-ad-uh-NO-muh) is a solid, noncancerous breast tumor found most commonly in young women.
More to Know
Fibroadenomas are small masses that are generally round and different from surrounding breast tissue. They often feel like marbles within the breast that can be moved around easily under the skin. Fibroadenomas can range in size from those that can only be seen on imaging tests (like a mammogram or ultrasound) to those that are 3 or more inches in diameter. They are most common in women ages 15-35 but may be found in women of any age.
Doctors don’t know what causes fibroadenomas, but a woman can have one or many in one or both breasts. Most fibroadenomas don't cause symptoms, don’t increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, and don’t need to be removed. However, fibroadenomas that happen with other changes in breast tissue, those that increase in size, or a family history of breast cancer can make cancer more likely. In these cases, or if the woman doesn’t want to worry further about the lump, doctors usually recommend that fibroadenomas be removed.
Fibroadenomas are diagnosed using mammograms, ultrasounds, or biopsies, where a tissue sample is collected from the lump to be examined under a microscope. Treatment options include surgery to remove the lump, or cryoablation, a process that involves freezing and destroying the fibroadenoma.
Keep in Mind
Most fibroadenomas are painless, cause no problems, and can be left in the breast without fear of complications. Fibroadenomas should still be monitored closely, though, to make sure they don’t get bigger. If they do, they can be removed at a later date. In many cases, especially with older women, fibroadenomas may shrink on their own.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.