Are fibroadenomas tender?

From the Guidelines

Fibroadenomas are typically not tender, and their benign nature is often characterized by a lack of significant pain or tenderness. These benign breast lumps are usually firm, rubbery, and painless when touched or pressed, as described in the context of palpable breast masses 1. While some women might occasionally experience mild tenderness in the area of a fibroadenoma, especially during hormonal fluctuations like menstruation, significant pain or tenderness is not a characteristic feature. The characteristics of fibroadenomas, such as oval or round shape, abrupt well-defined margin, homogeneous echogenicity, and orientation parallel to the chest wall with no posterior acoustic shadowing, support their benign nature 1.

Key features of fibroadenomas include:

• Firm, rubbery texture
• Painless when touched or pressed
• Lack of significant pain or tenderness
• Benign characteristics on ultrasound, such as oval or round shape and well-defined margins These characteristics help distinguish fibroadenomas from other breast conditions like cysts or infections, which often cause pain. If a breast lump is consistently painful or tender, it's essential to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider as it may indicate a different condition 1. Regular breast self-exams and appropriate medical follow-up are recommended for any new or changing breast lumps, even painless ones.

From the Research

Characteristics of Fibroadenomas

• Fibroadenomas are solid, mobile, and non-tender benign breast lumps, with the highest prevalence amongst young women aged between 15 and 35 2
• They present as smooth, rubbery, mobile masses on palpation 3

Symptoms Associated with Fibroadenomas

• Symptoms can include discomfort 2
• They can become problematic, particularly when they enlarge 2
• Transient postoperative side effects can include local swelling and ecchymosis, with postoperative discomfort rarely requiring medication beyond acetaminophen or ibuprofen 4

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibroadenomas

• Diagnosis is based on triple assessment that involves a clinical examination, ultrasound imaging, and mammography, as well as core needle biopsies 2
• Current management includes observation for 6-12 months, with the indication of definitive surgery in cases that are older than 35 years or with fibroadenoma persistence 2
• Alternatives to open surgery include tumor removal using an automated coring device and tumor ablation using heating or cooling elements 4

Pain Associated with Fibroadenomas

• Fibroadenomas are typically non-tender 2
• However, symptoms can include discomfort, and they can become problematic, particularly when they enlarge 2
• Office-based use of ultrasound-guided cryoablation for fibroadenomas has been shown to result in little or no pain 4