Fibro adenoma of breast

Causes and risk factors:

Fibro adenoma is benign tumors of the breast arising from the lobules and consisting of the fibrous tissue. The exact cause of fibro adenoma is not known. However high incidence is seen during pregnancy. Hormonal changes play a major role in development of these tumors. Hence these tumors are rarely seen in women after menopause. Use of oral contraceptive pills therapy at very early age increases the chances of developing these tumors.

Clinical presentations:

Either one or both the breast is affected .In most of the cases single tumor is seen, in few cases multiple tumors occurs. Usually the lump is painless. On palpation a rubbery firm mass or movable lump can be felt. Depending upon the size they are called as simple tumors where the size is less than 3cm and complex tumors are tumors whose size is more than 5cm.In cases the size of the tumor is small it does not cause any problems.

Diagnosis and investigations:

Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the local examination of the breast carried out by the doctor. Self breast examination by the women points to detection of lump. (Breast self examination technique: Stand in front of the mirror and look at the breast. Notice whether there is any swelling or change in size and shape of the breast. Examine the nipple whether there are any color changes in and around the nipple. Any redness or rash is seen any change in shape and location. The same things must be notice by raising the arms. Each of the breasts should be palpated right from the color bone in lying and standing position also. ) Mammography of the breast, breast ultrasound and MRI scan of the breast are recommended .A biopsy and fine needle aspiration cytology will help to differentiate between the malignant and benign tumor.

Treatment:         

Treatment plan depends upon the size of the tumor. Usually small tumors which are asymptomatic do not need any medical intervention and resolve on its own. In cases where the tumor is large in size surgical intervention is needed. Excision of the lump or Cryoablation is done. In cryoablation a gas is injected with the help of a cryoprobe, it is used to freeze the lump.

Other modes of treatment:

Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.