What is a fibroadenoma?

• A. A malignant breast tumor
• B. A fluid-filled cyst
• C. A solid, benign breast mass
• D. An inflammatory condition

Answer: (C)

Fibroadenoma is a benign, solid breast mass. It’s one of the most common benign lesions, especially in younger women, and it is not cancer. On ultrasound it typically appears as a well-circumscribed, oval or round lesion with a homogeneous echo pattern and smooth margins that lie parallel to the chest wall. It often shows posterior acoustic enhancement and is usually mobile on palpation, reflecting its fibroepithelial tissue composition. Clinically, it may present as a small, firm, painless lump and can fluctuate with hormonal changes, sometimes enlarging during pregnancy or puberty. This distinguishes it from a malignant tumor, which tends to have irregular, spiculated margins and heterogeneity; a cyst, being fluid-filled, is typically anechoic with through-transmission; and inflammatory conditions usually present with redness, warmth, swelling, and various inflammatory changes on imaging. So, fibroadenoma is best described as a solid, benign breast mass.