Fibroadenoma

A fibroadenoma is a firm breast lump made up of gland and connective tissue. It’s a common benign breast tumor, meaning it’s noncancerous and doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. Fibroadenomas can develop in anyone with breast tissue, but they’re most often found in younger adults, especially from the teen years through the 30s, though they can appear at any age. Some people have just one lump, while others may notice more. Many fibroadenomas stay the same size over time. Some grow slowly, and others shrink on their own.

In most cases, fibroadenomas do not increase your risk of breast cancer. Even so, any new lump should be checked. Having it evaluated can give you clarity and peace of mind about what you’re feeling.

Most fibroadenomas don’t cause pain. You might notice a lump during a self-exam or in the shower, or your provider may find one during a routine breast screening. Occasionally, people experience sensitivity near the lump, especially before a period when hormone levels shift, or have ongoing pain. Others may see changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge, though this is less common.

Fibroadenomas may feel:

• Round or oval
• Firm or flexible
• Smooth along the edges
• Easy to move under the skin

The exact reason fibroadenomas form isn’t entirely clear. Hormones, especially estrogen, likely play a role. That’s why they’re more common during the reproductive years and may change in size during pregnancy or with hormone therapy. There’s no clear evidence that diet, exercise, or stress directly cause fibroadenomas.

Fibroadenomas do not always need treatment. If the lump is small, clearly benign, and not causing symptoms, keeping an eye on it over time may be all that is needed.

Surgery may be an option if the lump is growing or causing discomfort, or if test results aren’t completely clear. Some people also choose to have it removed for added reassurance. In either case, a lumpectomy (breast lump removal) would be performed. Your Penn Medicine team will walk through the options with you, so you can decide what feels right for your body and your comfort level.

There’s no proven way to prevent fibroadenomas. Because hormones may influence them, they can appear and change over time.

What you can do is stay aware of your body:

• Know how your breasts normally look and feel
• Keep up with recommended screenings
• Report new changes promptly

Getting a new lump checked can help you understand what’s going on and talk through the next steps with confidence.

Accurately identifying a breast lump requires skill, training, and experience. At Penn Medicine, you have access to specialists who evaluate breast changes every day and understand the subtle differences that guide an accurate diagnosis.

Through coordinated care at the Abramson Cancer Center, including the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute and other locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, your imaging, follow-up, and next steps are thoughtfully connected. If additional testing is needed, imaging experts, surgeons, oncologists, and support professionals work together to provide clear answers and guidance you can trust.

Whether you need reassurance, monitoring, or treatment, you’ll have a team focused on giving you clarity and supporting you at every step.