Fibroadenomas in adolescence

Fibroadenomas are the most common breast masses in adolescent women, therefore it is important that health providers understand their assessment and management. This review discusses an approach to investigation and management of fibroadenomas in adolescents.

Fibroadenomas are benign tumors which commonly present in late adolescence. They are classified according to their histology and size. Simple fibroadenomas are the most common type and usually present as smooth mobile masses up to 3 cm in diameter. Giant fibroadenomas are more uncommon but typically present in adolescence. Fibroadenomas associated with other soft-tissue masses should raise the possibility of an inherited syndrome. Assessment of breast masses in this age group generally involves clinical assessment through history and physical examination and, when imaging is needed, ultrasonography. As the incidence of primary breast malignancy is very low in this age group, core biopsy is not routinely recommended. Large or rapidly growing tumors, or those associated with suspicious features, warrant surgical excision. New minimally invasive excision techniques are being introduced which are associated with high initial success rates.

Whereas the vast majority of fibroadenomas in teenagers may be monitored with surveillance alone, new minimally invasive techniques may play an important role in the management of selected patients.