Fibroadenoma - causes and signs of fibroadenoma

There are the following types of fibroadenoma:

• phylloid or leaf-shaped fibroadenoma, which differs from the above types by a rapidly growing tumor. The danger of this type is that in one out of ten cases, the leaf-shaped type of fibroadenoma of the mammary glands can develop into a malignant form of tumor, called sarcoma (cancer). Leaf-shaped fibroadenoma is also called a borderline tumor, since it is always on the border between malignant and benign formations. Leaf-shaped fibroadenoma of the mammary glands must be treated surgically.

• intracanalicular fibroma, when connective tissues grow into the lumens of the ducts;
• pericanalicular fibroadenoma of the breast - connective tissues grow around the ducts themselves;
• mixed fibroma, which combines the symptoms of intracanalicular and pericanalicular types of fibroadenoma;

Fibroadenoma can be several millimeters or several centimeters in diameter. It should be noted that it is very difficult to distinguish fibroadenoma from a cyst, which has dimensions of up to 0.8-1.0 cm, based on ultrasound examination.

Causes

The specific causes of fibroadenomas are still unknown. It is possible that the causes of fibroadenomas may be some defects in the tissues of the mammary glands, as a result of which a benign tumor may develop. Many doctors believe that one of the main causes of fibroadenomas can be considered severe and frequent stress, especially for those women who are able to inflate a small problem into quite serious conflicts within themselves and do not want to share their experiences with others and even loved ones. Also, the growth of such formations can be stimulated by various additional reasons:

• oral contraceptives;
• hormone replacement therapy drugs;
• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding and childbirth.

Although the specific and exact reasons for which fibroadenomas occur have not yet been determined, the detection of any seals in the breast should be a reason for an immediate visit to the doctor for consultation.

Symptoms of fibroadenoma

During the development of fibroadenoma in a woman, obvious symptoms may be absent. Basically, the disease can proceed without any particular symptoms, manifested by some seals in the breast, which can be detected by women themselves during palpation of the breast or during routine preventive examinations. The tumor is often quite dense, easily displaced in the tissues, has a very smooth surface. But there are also cases when chest pain does occur.

The development of this pathology in men is accompanied by:

• pain in the prostate gland and lower back;
• constipation characteristic of this period;
• sexual dysfunction.

Very often men are bothered by discomfort during urination and pain, such problems can lead to acute retention, false urges or a weak stream.

Diagnostics

Fibroadenoma of the mammary glands can be diagnosed using two research methods:

• ultrasound;
• mammography followed by histological analysis of tumor tissues.

Using ultrasound examination of the mammary glands, it is easy to determine the consistency of the substance filling the tumor, these can be: hollow cysts, liquid substances or seals.

X-ray examinations provide images that clearly show tumor formations with extremely defined boundaries.

Based on histological analysis, it is possible to establish the stage of tissue proliferation, as well as the degree of tumor malignancy.

Treatment of fibroadenoma

In most cases, fibroadenoma can only be treated surgically.

If the size of the fibroadenoma is insignificant (up to 8 mm.), then in some cases the mammologist conducts a course of conservative therapy, which is aimed at the probable possibility of its resorption.

Optimal treatment tactics can be selected only after a medical examination, ultrasound examination, puncture biopsy and blood test for hormone levels. The course of conservative therapy is quite long, and even in the case of optimally selected treatment, the tumor may not resolve.

If there is no positive dynamics on the control ultrasound, and especially if the size of the fibroadenoma has increased, then surgical intervention is necessary.

Prevention

For the purpose of prevention, to avoid this disease, women should avoid exposure to direct sunlight, less often overheat when taking very hot baths, try as much as possible to avoid various stressful situations. Men should observe the rules of personal hygiene, do not abuse smoking and alcohol. The attitude to your health should be serious, visiting a doctor once a year is necessary for both women and men at any age.

Preventive methods of fibroadenomas include possible prevention of recurrence of tumors of this type. In all this, it is necessary to properly carry out treatment and rehabilitation measures after surgical intervention to remove primary fibroadenomas. Such preventive measures are considered:

• daily change of dressings;
• antiseptic treatment of postoperative sutures, and removal of such sutures no earlier than the third to fifth day after the operation. If any postoperative complications of an inflammatory nature appear, it is necessary to immediately begin to eliminate them with the help of adequate treatment.