Fibroadenoma of Breast USMLE Notes & Mnemonics contains all the high-yield points you need to know.
Definition:
- Fibroadenoma: Benign, solid, and well-circumscribed breast tumor composed of both stromal and glandular tissue.
Epidemiology:
- Most common benign tumor of the breast.
- Typically occurs in young women aged 15-35 years. (Ref)
Pathophysiology:
- Hormone Sensitive: Growth influenced by estrogen; may enlarge during pregnancy and involute with menopause.
Clinical Features:
- Palpable Mass: Mobile, firm, rubbery, and painless; classically described as a “marble in the breast”.
- Well-Delineated: Feels smooth and has clear edges.
- No Associated Lymphadenopathy: Usually does not affect lymph nodes.
Diagnosis:
- Physical Examination: Consistent with a movable, well-circumscribed mass.
- Ultrasound: First-line imaging for women under 30 or pregnant (radiation-free).
- Mammography: Typically shows a well-defined, round, or oval mass with smooth margins.
- Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) or Core Biopsy: To confirm diagnosis if imaging is inconclusive.
Management:
- Observation: Most do not require treatment; regular follow-up if asymptomatic and confirmed benign.
- Surgical Excision: Indicated if there are concerns for cancer, rapid growth, or patient preference.
High-Yield Mnemonic: “FAB M&M” for Fibroadenoma Features
- Firm
- Age (young women)
- Benign
- Mobile
- &
- Marble-like
Chart: Differentiating Fibroadenoma from Cancer
| Feature | Fibroadenoma | Breast Cancer |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Young women (15-35 years) | Older age group (post-menopausal) |
| Consistency | Firm and rubbery | Hard, irregular |
| Mobility | Mobile (“breast mouse”) | Fixed |
| Border | Well-circumscribed | Poorly defined, irregular |
| Growth | Slow growing | Can grow rapidly |
| Pain | Usually painless | May be tender or painless |
| Lymphadenopathy | Absent | May have associated lymphadenopathy |
| Imaging | Well-defined, solid mass on ultrasound | Spiculated, irregular mass |
| Biopsy | Stroma and glandular elements without atypia | Atypical or malignant cells |
Check other important USMLE Notes
Note: On USMLE, fibroadenomas are commonly presented as a young woman with a palpable, painless, and mobile breast lump. It is important to distinguish between a fibroadenoma and malignant lesions. The management of fibroadenoma is conservative unless symptoms are present or there is concern for malignancy. Remember, fibroadenomas are hormone-sensitive, so changes in size are often related to the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
A Visual Learning Platform
