Fibroadenoma of the Breast
Understanding Your Assessment and Care
By Graeme Millar, Lead Breast Surgeon – Otago Surgical Associates
Being told you have a fibroadenoma can be worrying, particularly when it presents as a breast lump. Many patients are concerned about whether this could represent cancer and what treatment, if any, is required.
As a breast cancer surgeon, my day-to-day role involves assessing all breast symptoms to determine whether cancer is present and, just as importantly, to provide reassurance and appropriate care when conditions are benign. Fibroadenomas are among the most common benign breast lumps, and the outlook is excellent.
What is a fibroadenoma?
A fibroadenoma is a non-cancerous (benign) breast lump made up of fibrous and glandular breast tissue.
Fibroadenomas:
Commonly occur in younger women, but can be seen at any age
Often feel smooth, firm, and mobile
Are not breast cancer
Do not usually increase breast cancer risk at all
Some people develop a single fibroadenoma, while others may have multiple fibroadenomas in one or both breasts.
Management options
Observation (most common)
Many fibroadenomas can be safely observed. This involves:
Periodic clinical review
Follow-up ultrasound if required
This approach is appropriate when imaging and biopsy (if performed) are reassuring.
Surgical removal
Surgery may be considered if:
The fibroadenoma is large
It is increasing in size
It is causing discomfort or anxiety
There is diagnostic uncertainty
You prefer removal for peace of mind
When surgery is recommended, it is usually a minor procedure, often performed as day surgery, with a focus on minimising scarring and preserving breast appearance.
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Although fibroadenomas are benign, any new breast lump must be properly assessed. Referral allows us to:
Confirm the diagnosis
Exclude other conditions, including cancer
Decide whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate
Provide reassurance with confidence
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Your first appointment will take place at:
Suite 6, Marinoto Clinic, Dunedin, or
My private clinic at Balclutha Hospital, which I hold twice monthly
At this visit, I will:
Take a full breast history, including how long the lump has been present and whether it has changed
Review any symptoms such as pain or tenderness
Discuss your general health and family history
Perform a chaperoned breast examination
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To confirm a fibroadenoma, breast imaging is usually required. This commonly includes:
Breast ultrasound (particularly in younger patients)
Mammography, depending on age and findings
These investigations are arranged locally through Pacific Radiology, allowing for timely assessment close to home.
In some cases, the appointment may also include point-of-care ultrasound, which is increasingly becoming part of in-clinic breast assessment and can provide immediate additional information
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Not all fibroadenomas require a biopsy. A biopsy may be recommended if:
The lump has atypical features on imaging
There is uncertainty about the diagnosis
The lump is growing
You would prefer definitive confirmation
A core needle biopsy is performed under local anaesthetic and is usually very well tolerated. Results typically return within one to two weeks.
Your care journey at OSA
Although fibroadenomas are benign, I recognise that discovering a breast lump can be emotionally challenging. Our approach at Otago Surgical Associates is to provide:
Careful assessment
Clear explanations
Individualised recommendations
Local care, here in Dunedin and Otago
For some patients, reassurance after thorough assessment is all that is needed. For others, removal provides peace of mind. There is no one “right” choice—only what is right for you.
Fibroadenomas are very common and very safe. 20% of NZ women will have one in their breast tissue. With appropriate assessment, most patients can be confidently reassured and return to normal activities without ongoing concern.
If you have been referred with a breast lump and a fibroadenoma is suspected or confirmed, my commitment is to guide you through the process with clarity, care, and support—locally, and at your pace.