Giant FA: > 500 g or > 5-cm mass that has proliferation of epithelial and connective tissue; typically circumscribed and firm with peak age of 17-20 years
Sclerosed FA: Paucicellular, hyalinized, fibrotic stroma and sparse, atrophic epithelial elements
Natural history of FA to become sclerosed and calcify
Can occur at any age; tend to be postmenopausal
Myxoid FA: Mucinous stromal component
Fibroadenomatoid change: Composite features of FA and fibrocystic change, stromal hyperplasia predominating but less discrete than FA and may involve several lobules
IMAGING
General Features
Mammographic Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
MR Findings
Nuclear Medicine Findings
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Staging, Grading, & Classification
Gross Pathologic & Surgical Features
Microscopic Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Selected References
Abdul Hamid S et al: Radiopathological characteristics and outcomes of phyllodes tumor of the breast in Malaysian women. Medicine (Baltimore). 97(31):e11412, 2018
Ciurea AI et al: Fibroadenomas and breast carcinoma: a possible answer to a frequently asked question. A pictorial essay. Med Ultrason. 20(3):385-91, 2018
Dessauvagie BF et al: Interobserver variation in the diagnosis of fibroepithelial lesions of the breast: a multicentre audit by digital pathology. J Clin Pathol. ePub, 2018
Ha SM et al: Growing BI-RADS category 3 lesions on follow-up breast ultrasound: malignancy rates and worrisome features. Br J Radiol. 91(1087):20170787, 2018
Jung J et al: Development of a management algorithm for the diagnosis of cellular fibroepithelial lesions from core needle biopsies. Int J Surg Pathol. 1066896918775525, 2018
Lee SE et al: Radiomics of US texture features in differential diagnosis between triple-negative breast cancer and fibroadenoma. Sci Rep. 8(1):13546, 2018
Lee S et al: Frequency and outcomes of biopsy-proven fibroadenomas recommended for surgical excision. Clin Imaging. 50:31-36, 2018
Neville G et al: Is excision biopsy of fibroadenomas based solely on size criteria warranted? Breast J. ePub, 2018
Rao R et al: Select choices in benign breast disease: an initiative of the American Society of Breast Surgeons for the American Board of Internal Medicine Choosing Wisely® Campaign. Ann Surg Oncol. ePub, 2018
Shaik AN et al: Breast fibroadenomas are not associated with increased breast cancer risk in an African American contemporary cohort of women with benign breast disease. Breast Cancer Res. 20(1):91, 2018
Yeo SH et al: Comparison of ultrasound elastography and color doppler ultrasonography for distinguishing small triple-negative breast cancer from fibroadenoma. J Ultrasound Med. ePub, 2018
Clauser P et al: Results of short-term follow-up in BI-RADS 3 and 4a breast lesions with a histological diagnosis of fibroadenoma at percutaneous needle biopsy. Breast Care (Basel). 12(4):238-242, 2017
Kupsik M et al: Giant juvenile fibroadenoma in a 9-year-old: a case presentation and review of the current literature. Breast Dis. 37(2):95-98, 2017
Wahab TA et al: Efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided vacuum-assisted excision of fibroadenomas: a systematic review. Open J Radiol 7:95-102, 2017
Loke BN et al: Genetics and genomics of breast fibroadenomas. J Clin Pathol. ePub, 2017
Marcon M et al: First ultrasound diagnosis of BI-RADS 3 lesions in young patients: can 6-months follow-up be sufficient to assess stability? Eur J Radiol. 89:226-233, 2017
Namazi A et al: An evaluation of ultrasound features of breast fibroadenoma. Adv Biomed Res. 6:153, 2017
Duman L et al: Differentiation between phyllodes tumors and fibroadenomas based on mammographic sonographic and MRI features. Breast Care (Basel). 11(2):123-7, 2016
Edwards T et al: Cellular fibroadenoma on core needle biopsy: management recommendations for the radiologist. Clin Imaging. 40(4):587-90, 2016
Fives C et al: When pathological and radiological correlation is achieved, excision of fibroadenoma with lobular neoplasia on core biopsy is not warranted. Breast. 30:125-129, 2016
Harvey JA et al: ACR appropriateness criteria palpable breast masses. J Am Coll Radiol. 13(11S):e31-e42, 2016
Marcil G et al: Fibroepithelial breast lesions diagnosed by core needle biopsy demonstrate a moderate rate of upstaging to phyllodes tumors. Am J Surg. ePub, 2016
Parsian S et al: Diffusion-weighted imaging reflects variable cellularity and stromal density present in breast fibroadenomas. Clin Imaging. 40(5):1047-54, 2016
Hubbard JL et al: Criteria for excision of suspected fibroadenomas of the breast. Am J Surg. 209(2):297-301, 2015
Nassar A et al: Complex fibroadenoma and breast cancer risk: a Mayo Clinic Benign Breast Disease Cohort Study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 153(2):397-405, 2015
Plaza MJ et al: Phyllodes tumor: review of key imaging characteristics. Breast Dis. 35(2):79-86, 2015
Sanders LM et al: The growing fibroadenoma. Acta Radiol Open. 4(4):2047981615572273, 2015
Abdulcadir D et al: Phyllodes tumours of the breast diagnosed as B3 category on image-guided 14-gauge core biopsy: analysis of 51 cases from a single institution and review of the literature. Eur J Surg Oncol. 40(7):859-64, 2014
Yang X et al: Fibroepithelial tumors of the breast: pathologic and immunohistochemical features and molecular mechanisms. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 138(1):25-36, 2014
Adejolu M et al: False-positive lesions mimicking breast cancer on FDG PET and PET/CT. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198(3):W304-14, 2012
Berg WA et al: Shear-wave elastography improves the specificity of breast US: the BE1 multinational study of 939 masses. Radiology. 262(2):435-49, 2012
Chang JM et al: Clinical application of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast diseases. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 129(1):89-97, 2011
Gupta P et al: Fibroadenoma in male breast: case report and literature review. Breast Dis. 33(1):45-8, 2011
Kato F et al: Dynamic MR findings of ductal carcinoma in situ within a fibroadenoma. Magn Reson Med Sci. 10(2):129-32, 2011
Makis W et al: Rapidly growing complex fibroadenoma with surrounding ductal hyperplasia mimics breast malignancy on serial F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging. Clin Nucl Med. 36(7):576-9, 2011
Narayanan D et al: Interpretation of positron emission mammography: feature analysis and rates of malignancy. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 196(4):956-70, 2011
Slanetz PJ et al: Percutaneous excision: a viable alternative to manage benign breast lesions. Can Assoc Radiol J. 62(4):265-71, 2011
Resetkova E et al: Clinical and radiologic data and core needle biopsy findings should dictate management of cellular fibroepithelial tumors of the breast. Breast J. 16(6):573-80, 2010
Sanchez R et al: Breast fibroadenomas in the pediatric population: common and uncommon sonographic findings. Pediatr Radiol. 40(10):1681-9, 2010
Harvey JA et al: Short-term follow-up of palpable breast lesions with benign imaging features: evaluation of 375 lesions in 320 women. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 193(6):1723-30, 2009
Partridge SC et al: Quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging as an adjunct to conventional breast MRI for improved positive predictive value. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 193(6):1716-22, 2009
Park YM et al: Palpable breast masses with probably benign morphology at sonography: can biopsy be deferred? Acta Radiol. 49(10):1104-11, 2008
Schrading S et al: Mammographic, US, and MR imaging phenotypes of familial breast cancer. Radiology. 246(1):58-70, 2008
Sklair-Levy M et al: Incidence and management of complex fibroadenomas. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 190(1):214-8, 2008
Bode MK et al: Ultrasonography and core needle biopsy in the differential diagnosis of fibroadenoma and tumor phyllodes. Acta Radiol. 48(7):708-13, 2007
Doshi DJ et al: Complex cystic breast masses: diagnostic approach and imaging-pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 27 Suppl 1:S53-64, 2007
Binokay F et al: Risk of developing fibroadenoma with the use of cyclosporine A in renal transplant recipients. Ren Fail. 27(6):721-5, 2005
Nurko J et al: Interim results from the FibroAdenoma Cryoablation Treatment Registry. Am J Surg. 190(4):647-51; discussion 651-2, 2005
Graf O et al: Follow-up of palpable circumscribed noncalcified solid breast masses at mammography and US: can biopsy be averted? Radiology. 233(3):850-6, 2004
Strano S et al: Color Doppler imaging of fibroadenomas of the breast with histopathologic correlation. J Clin Ultrasound. 32(7):317-22, 2004
El-Wakeel H et al: Systematic review of fibroadenoma as a risk factor for breast cancer. Breast. 12(5):302-7, 2003
Gordon PB et al: Solid breast masses diagnosed as fibroadenoma at fine-needle aspiration biopsy: acceptable rates of growth at long-term follow-up. Radiology. 229(1):233-8, 2003
Sperber F et al: Diagnosis and treatment of breast fibroadenomas by ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy. Arch Surg. 138(7):796-800, 2003
Carter BA et al: No elevation in long-term breast carcinoma risk for women with fibroadenomas that contain atypical hyperplasia. Cancer. 92(1):30-6, 2001
Related Anatomy
Loading...
Related Differential Diagnoses
Loading...
References
Tables
Tables
KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Pathology
Clinical Issues
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
Fibroadenoma (FA)
Synonyms
Degenerating FA = sclerosed FA = involuting FA
Definitions
FA: Benign, fibroepithelial tumor with proliferation of both stromal and epithelial elements
Fibroepithelial lesions (FEL): Biphasic tumor, encompassing FA and phyllodes tumors (PTs)
PT differs subtly from FA: ↑ cellularity of stroma, including mitotic figures, stromal overgrowth (stromal > epithelial component); leaf-like growth pattern; age ≥ 40 years; rapid growth; propensity for local recurrence
Difficult to distinguish on core biopsy histopathology and sometimes even excision
Major FA types: Adult and juvenile ("cellular") types
Giant FA: > 500 g or > 5-cm mass that has proliferation of epithelial and connective tissue; typically circumscribed and firm with peak age of 17-20 years
Sclerosed FA: Paucicellular, hyalinized, fibrotic stroma and sparse, atrophic epithelial elements
Natural history of FA to become sclerosed and calcify
Can occur at any age; tend to be postmenopausal
Myxoid FA: Mucinous stromal component
Fibroadenomatoid change: Composite features of FA and fibrocystic change, stromal hyperplasia predominating but less discrete than FA and may involve several lobules
IMAGING
General Features
Mammographic Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
MR Findings
Nuclear Medicine Findings
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Staging, Grading, & Classification
Gross Pathologic & Surgical Features
Microscopic Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Selected References
Abdul Hamid S et al: Radiopathological characteristics and outcomes of phyllodes tumor of the breast in Malaysian women. Medicine (Baltimore). 97(31):e11412, 2018
Ciurea AI et al: Fibroadenomas and breast carcinoma: a possible answer to a frequently asked question. A pictorial essay. Med Ultrason. 20(3):385-91, 2018
Dessauvagie BF et al: Interobserver variation in the diagnosis of fibroepithelial lesions of the breast: a multicentre audit by digital pathology. J Clin Pathol. ePub, 2018
Ha SM et al: Growing BI-RADS category 3 lesions on follow-up breast ultrasound: malignancy rates and worrisome features. Br J Radiol. 91(1087):20170787, 2018
Jung J et al: Development of a management algorithm for the diagnosis of cellular fibroepithelial lesions from core needle biopsies. Int J Surg Pathol. 1066896918775525, 2018
Lee SE et al: Radiomics of US texture features in differential diagnosis between triple-negative breast cancer and fibroadenoma. Sci Rep. 8(1):13546, 2018
Lee S et al: Frequency and outcomes of biopsy-proven fibroadenomas recommended for surgical excision. Clin Imaging. 50:31-36, 2018
Neville G et al: Is excision biopsy of fibroadenomas based solely on size criteria warranted? Breast J. ePub, 2018
Rao R et al: Select choices in benign breast disease: an initiative of the American Society of Breast Surgeons for the American Board of Internal Medicine Choosing Wisely® Campaign. Ann Surg Oncol. ePub, 2018
Shaik AN et al: Breast fibroadenomas are not associated with increased breast cancer risk in an African American contemporary cohort of women with benign breast disease. Breast Cancer Res. 20(1):91, 2018
Yeo SH et al: Comparison of ultrasound elastography and color doppler ultrasonography for distinguishing small triple-negative breast cancer from fibroadenoma. J Ultrasound Med. ePub, 2018
Clauser P et al: Results of short-term follow-up in BI-RADS 3 and 4a breast lesions with a histological diagnosis of fibroadenoma at percutaneous needle biopsy. Breast Care (Basel). 12(4):238-242, 2017
Kupsik M et al: Giant juvenile fibroadenoma in a 9-year-old: a case presentation and review of the current literature. Breast Dis. 37(2):95-98, 2017
Wahab TA et al: Efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided vacuum-assisted excision of fibroadenomas: a systematic review. Open J Radiol 7:95-102, 2017
Loke BN et al: Genetics and genomics of breast fibroadenomas. J Clin Pathol. ePub, 2017
Marcon M et al: First ultrasound diagnosis of BI-RADS 3 lesions in young patients: can 6-months follow-up be sufficient to assess stability? Eur J Radiol. 89:226-233, 2017
Namazi A et al: An evaluation of ultrasound features of breast fibroadenoma. Adv Biomed Res. 6:153, 2017
Duman L et al: Differentiation between phyllodes tumors and fibroadenomas based on mammographic sonographic and MRI features. Breast Care (Basel). 11(2):123-7, 2016
Edwards T et al: Cellular fibroadenoma on core needle biopsy: management recommendations for the radiologist. Clin Imaging. 40(4):587-90, 2016
Fives C et al: When pathological and radiological correlation is achieved, excision of fibroadenoma with lobular neoplasia on core biopsy is not warranted. Breast. 30:125-129, 2016
Harvey JA et al: ACR appropriateness criteria palpable breast masses. J Am Coll Radiol. 13(11S):e31-e42, 2016
Marcil G et al: Fibroepithelial breast lesions diagnosed by core needle biopsy demonstrate a moderate rate of upstaging to phyllodes tumors. Am J Surg. ePub, 2016
Parsian S et al: Diffusion-weighted imaging reflects variable cellularity and stromal density present in breast fibroadenomas. Clin Imaging. 40(5):1047-54, 2016
Hubbard JL et al: Criteria for excision of suspected fibroadenomas of the breast. Am J Surg. 209(2):297-301, 2015
Nassar A et al: Complex fibroadenoma and breast cancer risk: a Mayo Clinic Benign Breast Disease Cohort Study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 153(2):397-405, 2015
Plaza MJ et al: Phyllodes tumor: review of key imaging characteristics. Breast Dis. 35(2):79-86, 2015
Sanders LM et al: The growing fibroadenoma. Acta Radiol Open. 4(4):2047981615572273, 2015
Abdulcadir D et al: Phyllodes tumours of the breast diagnosed as B3 category on image-guided 14-gauge core biopsy: analysis of 51 cases from a single institution and review of the literature. Eur J Surg Oncol. 40(7):859-64, 2014
Yang X et al: Fibroepithelial tumors of the breast: pathologic and immunohistochemical features and molecular mechanisms. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 138(1):25-36, 2014
Adejolu M et al: False-positive lesions mimicking breast cancer on FDG PET and PET/CT. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 198(3):W304-14, 2012
Berg WA et al: Shear-wave elastography improves the specificity of breast US: the BE1 multinational study of 939 masses. Radiology. 262(2):435-49, 2012
Chang JM et al: Clinical application of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast diseases. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 129(1):89-97, 2011
Gupta P et al: Fibroadenoma in male breast: case report and literature review. Breast Dis. 33(1):45-8, 2011
Kato F et al: Dynamic MR findings of ductal carcinoma in situ within a fibroadenoma. Magn Reson Med Sci. 10(2):129-32, 2011
Makis W et al: Rapidly growing complex fibroadenoma with surrounding ductal hyperplasia mimics breast malignancy on serial F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging. Clin Nucl Med. 36(7):576-9, 2011
Narayanan D et al: Interpretation of positron emission mammography: feature analysis and rates of malignancy. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 196(4):956-70, 2011
Slanetz PJ et al: Percutaneous excision: a viable alternative to manage benign breast lesions. Can Assoc Radiol J. 62(4):265-71, 2011
Resetkova E et al: Clinical and radiologic data and core needle biopsy findings should dictate management of cellular fibroepithelial tumors of the breast. Breast J. 16(6):573-80, 2010
Sanchez R et al: Breast fibroadenomas in the pediatric population: common and uncommon sonographic findings. Pediatr Radiol. 40(10):1681-9, 2010
Harvey JA et al: Short-term follow-up of palpable breast lesions with benign imaging features: evaluation of 375 lesions in 320 women. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 193(6):1723-30, 2009
Partridge SC et al: Quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging as an adjunct to conventional breast MRI for improved positive predictive value. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 193(6):1716-22, 2009
Park YM et al: Palpable breast masses with probably benign morphology at sonography: can biopsy be deferred? Acta Radiol. 49(10):1104-11, 2008
Schrading S et al: Mammographic, US, and MR imaging phenotypes of familial breast cancer. Radiology. 246(1):58-70, 2008
Sklair-Levy M et al: Incidence and management of complex fibroadenomas. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 190(1):214-8, 2008
Bode MK et al: Ultrasonography and core needle biopsy in the differential diagnosis of fibroadenoma and tumor phyllodes. Acta Radiol. 48(7):708-13, 2007
Doshi DJ et al: Complex cystic breast masses: diagnostic approach and imaging-pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 27 Suppl 1:S53-64, 2007
Binokay F et al: Risk of developing fibroadenoma with the use of cyclosporine A in renal transplant recipients. Ren Fail. 27(6):721-5, 2005
Nurko J et al: Interim results from the FibroAdenoma Cryoablation Treatment Registry. Am J Surg. 190(4):647-51; discussion 651-2, 2005
Graf O et al: Follow-up of palpable circumscribed noncalcified solid breast masses at mammography and US: can biopsy be averted? Radiology. 233(3):850-6, 2004
Strano S et al: Color Doppler imaging of fibroadenomas of the breast with histopathologic correlation. J Clin Ultrasound. 32(7):317-22, 2004
El-Wakeel H et al: Systematic review of fibroadenoma as a risk factor for breast cancer. Breast. 12(5):302-7, 2003
Gordon PB et al: Solid breast masses diagnosed as fibroadenoma at fine-needle aspiration biopsy: acceptable rates of growth at long-term follow-up. Radiology. 229(1):233-8, 2003
Sperber F et al: Diagnosis and treatment of breast fibroadenomas by ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy. Arch Surg. 138(7):796-800, 2003
Carter BA et al: No elevation in long-term breast carcinoma risk for women with fibroadenomas that contain atypical hyperplasia. Cancer. 92(1):30-6, 2001
STATdx includes over 200,000 searchable images, including x-ray, CT, MR, and ultrasound images. To access all images, please log in or subscribe.