From the Guidelines
The incorrect statement regarding fibroadenoma in the TNM classification and staging of breast cancer is that fibroadenomas are considered premalignant lesions. This is incorrect because fibroadenomas are benign breast lesions and are not considered premalignant. The TNM classification is specifically designed for malignant tumors, categorizing cancers based on the size of the primary tumor (T), involvement of regional lymph nodes (N), and presence of distant metastasis (M) 1. Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous breast lumps composed of fibrous and glandular tissue that typically affect women of reproductive age. They are characterized by their well-defined borders, mobility within the breast tissue, and lack of malignant features on histopathology 1. Since they are benign entities, fibroadenomas do not require TNM staging, which is reserved for invasive breast cancers and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Management of fibroadenomas typically involves observation or surgical excision if they are large, symptomatic, or show concerning features on imaging, but they do not require cancer staging or cancer-directed therapies 1. Some key characteristics of fibroadenomas include:
- Mostly benign
- Mostly mobile
- Can be diagnosed by mammogram or ultrasound
- May be huge in size But they are not premalignant lesions, which makes option E the incorrect statement regarding fibroadenoma in the TNM classification and staging of breast cancer.
From the Research
Incorrect Statement Regarding Fibroadenoma
The incorrect statement regarding fibroadenoma in the context of TNM classification and staging of breast cancer is:
- Premalignant lesion: Fibroadenomas are mostly benign and not considered premalignant lesions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Characteristics of Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are characterized by the following:
- Mostly benign: Fibroadenomas are common benign breast lesions, especially in premenopausal women 2.
- Mostly mobile: Fibroadenomas are usually mobile and present as small, painless lumps 3.
- Diagnosis by mammogram: While mammography can be used to diagnose fibroadenomas, the diagnosis is often based on a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and non-surgical tissue biopsy (the triple test) 2.
- May be huge: Giant fibroadenomas can occur, although they are rare, and can grow to a large size 3, 5.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
It is essential to accurately diagnose fibroadenomas to distinguish them from malignant lesions, such as breast cancer 4, 6. A thorough evaluation, including tissue sampling, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy 2, 6.