Fibroid breast tumors are benign, solid tumors that grow in the breasts of women of reproductive age, especially women in their 20s or 30s. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibroid breast tumors are the most common types of breast lumps that occur in women. Although these tumors are not cancerous, they can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Cause
The exact cause of fibroid breast tumors is not clear. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is hypothesized that reproductive hormones cause them because of their prevalence during a woman's childbearing years. They also increase in size during pregnancy and estrogen therapy.
Risk Factors
According to the University of Maryland, women of African descent are at a higher risk for developing fibroid breast tumors. Women under the age of 30, regardless of race, are also at a higher risk.
Appearance
A fibroid breast tumor looks like a hard, firm lump under the skin. It has defined borders, moves around when touched, and may feel rubbery. The tumor may feel like a hard marble under the skin.
Size
Fibroid breast tumors are usually 1 to 2 cm in diameter. Some tumors, called giant fibroid breast tumors, can be 5 cm or bigger in size.
Treatment
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the lump is usually left alone. The doctor may occasionally monitor it to see if it changes or grows. If it is monitored and a breast exam test produces abnormal results, the lump may be surgically removed.
Tumors are also removed non-surgically through cryoablation, which injects a needle into the lump and freezes it. This shrinks the lump.
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