Fibroadenoma is one of the common diseases associated with young women's breasts, closely related with breast cancer. In Nigeria, about 23% of women have this disease, exact statistics (numbers) is inaccurate. All over the world, it is evident that it is most common in women between the age range 15-35 or less than 30 years. And mostly, these women are one way or another African related.
A fibroadenoma affected breast in contrast to a breast with cancerous cells
an X-ray image of the breast showing mass ( breast lump) present.
Fibroadenoma is a disease that causes growth of a non cancerous breast lump. Although, it is a benign breast tumor, that is rather not too alarming however, it does require medical attention. It can sometimes be disfiguring as it has a well defined form and there could be this rubbery sensation to it when touched or it could be hard. It is not painful, and are often times remain undiscovered until after some time. Fibroadenoma is a combination of stromal cells or connective tissues and glandular tissues, and they can occur in one or the two breasts.
WHAT CAUSES FIBROADENOMA?
There are uncertainties about the specific causes, however, it's been discovered that certain hormonal changes like the production of estrogen could lead to the growth of the breast lumps, this is the reason why women who have gotten to the perimenopause or menopause stage can't develop fibroadenoma as there is lesser production of hormones such as estrogen. Also, with women below the age of 20 using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) like norethindrone can also lead to fibroadenoma over time.
ARE THERE TYPES OF FIBROADENOMA?
Yes indeed, there are. Even up to five types, with the main ones being just two i.e simple and complex fibroadenoma.
• Simple fibroadenoma. It is rather not concerning, as it doesn't increase cancer risks unlike the complex fibroadenoma, it is non apparent even when viewed under the microscope due to its similarity to other breast tissues.
• Complex fibroadenoma. It includes the rapid increase in numbers of cells i.e hyperplasia. They are large and do not require the microscope to observe. They have higher cancer risk compared to the simple fibroadenoma. According to American Cancer Society, they have about one and a half (1½) higher risk of developing cancer.
• Juvenile fibroadenoma. They are most common in adolescents and very young women below 18 years.
• Giant fibroadenoma. These are large like complex fibroadenoma, but even larger. They are quite concerning as the tissues begin to occupy or grow over other tissues. It is advisable to remove such breast tissues.
• Phyllodes tumor. They are rather benign but can be malignant (cancerous) as well. It is often recommend for these to be removed.
HOW IS FIBROADENOMA DIAGNOSED?
Often times, observation of the breast manually (palpations) is one of the diagnostic methods in detecting fibroadenoma, more advances can be made by breast ultrasound and mammogram to get a proper X-ray imaging of the tissue. Another diagnostic method is biopsy, whereby the breast tissue is collected or aspired with a needle to conduct microscopic examination on the tissue so as to determine whether it is cancerous or not.
HOW CAN A FIBROADENOMA CONDITION BE TREATED?
The major treatment for fibroadenoma is it's removal by surgical means, the family of the patients can decide whether they want to have the tumor removed or not.
Also, women should try avoiding like tea, soft drink, coffee and chocolate as it helps in treating and improving the fibroadenoma symptoms.
CAN YOU LIVE WITH FIBROADENOMA?
Yes, absolutely. Constant self examination is required, make your breasts familiar to you. A consistent check up is tremendously crucial. It is possible for regrowth to occur, that's the main reason why patients should be observant.
Patients should take note and seek medical advice if they are at more risk of developing cancer, these people include:
• People that experience severe pain at the breast region.
• People with history of cancer in the family.
• People with questionable or controversial biopsy results.
In any case, anyone could be family or friends with concerned people, so therefore it is our job to provide proper sensitization.
Take care and stay healthy.
Images gotten from gettyimages
Wow, intresting piece, as regards the treatment, when you say removing do you mean removing the breast??...and also the avoidance of tea, soft drinks and chocolates, as they treat the symptoms, do you mean that the symptoms must be untreated and get exposed so the condition can be exposed right?
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