These are the ultrasound images of breast fibroadenomas
Echogenic foci is seen in fibroadenoma. Suggestive of microcalcification
Ultrasound appearance of fibroadenomas are:-
1) Oval shape
2) Circumscribed
3) Homogeneous
4) Hypoechoic
5) Macrolobulated
6) Smooth, thin, echogenic capsule
7) Variable Acoustic enhancement
So What is fibroadenoma. Let's see...
- Fibroadenoma is a solid , benign breast lump.
- It contains of fibrous and glandular tissue.
- Common in adolescent and young adult population.
- Having fibroadenoma does not increase risk of developing breast cancer.
Signs & Symptoms:-
1) Solitary
2) Mobile
3) Firm
4) Painless
5) Size increase during pregnancy or having estrogen therapy
6) Size atrophy after menopause, or when estrogen stimulation is
decrease
Causes :- Unknown
However, development of fibroadenoma probably is related to reproductive hormones. Because fibroadenoma most common in reproductive years
Others Imaging diagnosis:-
--> Mammogram : Fibroadenoma appears as Circumscribed; Round/oval shape; Occasionally have coarse calcification
Impression:
1) Mostly fibroadenoma are left in situ and follow up by ultrasound to see if it have any changes or grow.
2) Some are surgical excision. The reasons of removal fibroadenomas:-
- Abnormal Biopsy result
- Pain or other symptom occur
- Concern about cancer
3) Biopsy recommed to confirm diagnosis. Indication for biopsy :-
- Size enlarged
- Atypical findings on ultrasound
- Lesions > 2.5cm, where no previous ultraound for comparison
Notes:
1) Giant fibroadenoma --> more than 5cm size
2) Complex fibroadenoma --> Cystic changes; calcifications
3) Juventile fibroadenoma --> found in an adolescent girl
Sources:
1) Wikipaedia
2) Medline Plus
3) Mayo Clinics
4) Emedicine.medscape
5) Health guide online
