Fibroadenoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Sumiran Racherla, MD. Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats a breast fibroadenoma?
A breast fibroadenoma, a common noncancerous lump made of gland and fibrous tissue, is usually evaluated by a general surgeon or an interventional radiologist (a doctor who treats through imaging-guided procedures). A primary care doctor or gynecologist (women's health doctor) can also help coordinate the first exam and imaging. Some small fibroadenomas in younger women are watched over time rather than removed.
What is a fibroadenoma?
A fibroadenoma is a benign tumor of the breast. Benign means it is not a cancer. It is made up of breast gland tissue and tissue that helps support the breast gland tissue. It is the most common benign tumor of the breast. It is also the most common breast tumor in women under age 30.
Symptoms
Fibroadenomas are usually single lumps. Some women have several lumps that may affect both breasts. The lumps may be:
- Easily movable under the skin.
- Firm.
- Painless.
- Rubbery.
The lumps have smooth, well-defined borders. They may grow in size, especially during pregnancy. They often get smaller after menopause, if a woman is not taking hormone therapy.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of fibroadenomas is not known. They may be related to hormones. Girls who are going through puberty and women who are pregnant are most often affected. Fibroadenomas are found much less often in older women who have gone through menopause.
How doctors diagnose it
After a physical exam, one or both of these tests are usually done:
- Breast ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make a picture.
- Mammogram, an x-ray of the breast.
A biopsy may be done to get a definite diagnosis. A doctor can use a needle to take a sample, or a surgeon can remove the lump. A woman in her teens or early 20s may not need a biopsy if the lump goes away on its own or does not change over a long period.
Treatment
If a needle biopsy shows that the lump is a fibroadenoma, the lump may be left in place or removed. You and your provider can talk about whether to remove it. A small lump in a younger woman may be watched if it is stable and causes no symptoms.
Reasons to have it removed include:
- Needle biopsy results are not definitive.
- Pain or another symptom.
- Concern about cancer.
- The lump gets larger over time.
If the lump stays, your provider will watch to see if it changes or grows. Sometimes the lump is destroyed without being removed. Cryoablation freezes the lump. Radiofrequency ablation heats the lump with high-frequency energy. A lump that is watched may need to be removed later if it changes, grows, or causes symptoms. In rare cases, the lump is cancer and needs further treatment.
When to see a doctor
Have any new breast lump checked, because some breast changes are warning signs of breast cancer. Contact your provider if you notice:
- Any new breast lumps.
- A breast lump that your provider has checked before that grows or changes.
- Bruising on your breast for no reason.
- An area of redness of the skin of your breast.
- Dimpling or pulling in of the breast skin.
- A nipple that newly turns inward.
- Nipple discharge that is clear like water or bloody.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can examine a new breast lump, order imaging, and help coordinate follow-up with a surgeon or radiologist. They can also keep track of a lump that is being watched over time.
Common questions
Do fibroadenomas need to be removed?
Not always. Some fibroadenomas in a younger woman are left in place and watched when they are small, stable, and not causing symptoms. Reasons to remove one include biopsy results that are not definitive, pain or another symptom, concern about cancer, or a lump that gets larger over time.
Can a direct primary care doctor manage a fibroadenoma?
A direct primary care doctor can examine a new breast lump, order imaging such as an ultrasound, and refer you to a general surgeon or radiologist if a biopsy or closer follow-up is needed. If the lump is not removed, your provider will watch to see if it changes or grows.
Is a fibroadenoma the same as breast cancer?
No. A fibroadenoma is a benign tumor, which means it is not a cancer. A biopsy may be done to get a definite diagnosis. In rare cases, the lump is cancer and needs further treatment.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
