fibroadenoma
Meaning of fibroadenoma: A fibroadenoma is a common, benign breast tumor made of fibrous and glandular tissue, most frequent in younger women.
Definition of fibroadenoma
A fibroadenoma is a benign, meaning noncancerous, tumor that develops in the breast from a combination of fibrous connective tissue and glandular tissue. It typically presents as a firm, smooth, and easily movable lump that can often be felt distinctly from the surrounding breast tissue.
Fibroadenomas are the most common type of benign breast tumor and occur most frequently in younger women, though they can develop at other ages as well. They are generally painless and are often discovered incidentally during a breast self examination or a routine clinical exam.
A fibroadenoma is usually confirmed through imaging and sometimes a biopsy to distinguish it from other types of breast lumps, and because it is benign, a fibroadenoma is often monitored over time rather than requiring removal, though some are removed if they grow or cause discomfort.
Used in a sentence
A breast ultrasound identified a fibroadenoma that was monitored on subsequent follow up imaging.
Good to know
A fibroadenoma is distinguished from a cyst or other breast masses mainly through imaging and its characteristic firm, mobile feel, though a biopsy is sometimes needed to confirm the diagnosis with certainty.
Word origin
Where “fibroadenoma” comes from
Formed from Latin fibra, meaning fiber, and Greek aden, meaning gland, combined with the suffix -oma, meaning tumor or mass.