Q. Is a fibroadenoma (benign breast tumor) likely to change during a one-year period?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
When it comes to fibroadenomas, the answer is yes, they can change over a one-year period. Fibroadenomas are benign tumors that are typically found in young women between the ages of 20 and 30. They’re quite common—in fact, it’s estimated that 6 out of 10 women will develop at least one fibroadenoma during their lifetime!
Fibroadenomas are usually round with defined borders and feel firm when touched, although some may be soft or rubbery in texture. They range in size from a few millimeters to 3 centimeters and can vary significantly in appearance; some appear as solid lumps while others may have cysts or multiple lobulations (small distinct sections).
It's important to monitor any changes in your fibroadenoma during regular checkups with your doctor. Over time, you may find that it grows larger or even shrinks on its own without treatment – this is especially true for those who experience fast hormonal changes like during puberty or pregnancy. Additionally, if other risk factors such as obesity are present these could increase the likelihood of expansion over the course of a year. Some patients also report feeling pain when palpating certain areas but this isn't always indicative of an issue; simply maintaining regular follow-up visits should help keep your symptoms under control regardless!
Overall, if you have been diagnosed with this type of tumor you should keep an eye on any development over time so you can make sure they don't become something more serious down the line. Make sure to discuss any concerns you might have about them changing during a one-year period with your doctor - they'll be able to give specific advice based on which stages your particular tumor is at now and what health risks come along with keeping track of it longer term!