What is fibroadenoma of the breast?

  Fibroadenoma of the breast is a mixed tumor of fibrous tissue and glandular epithelium that occurs in the lobules of the breast, and is the most common type of benign breast tumor. It is most common in young women between the ages of 18 and 25, and can also occur in women of any age after puberty.  The causes of mammary fibroadenoma can be divided into two types: 1: abnormally high sensitivity of fibroblasts to estrogen in the lobules of the breast, which is caused by the high number of estrogen receptors contained in these fibroblasts; 2: due to over-stimulation of estrogen, the formation of mammary fibroadenoma is related to the vigorous function of the ovaries and the sensitivity of the body and local breast tissue to over-stimulation of estrogen.  Symptoms of mammary fibroadenoma Clinically, painless breast swelling is the main symptom, which is more mobile when pushed. Most of them are found in the outer upper quadrant of the breast, about 75% are solitary and a few are multiple, and are usually not accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms such as breast pain and nipple discharge. The size does not usually change with the menstrual cycle. The masses generally grow slowly, but can increase rapidly during pregnancy and lactation. Except for pregnancy and lactation, rapid enlargement in a short period of time should alert the possibility of malignant transformation. Sarcomatous transformation of the fibrous component and severe degeneration of the epithelial component can occur in about 17% of cases.  Surgical excision is the only treatment for fibroadenoma of the breast. Although fibroadenoma of the breast is benign, it has the potential to become malignant and should be surgically removed once detected. Surgery can be performed under local anesthesia. After revealing the tumor, the whole mass is removed together with its envelope. The excised mass must be routinely examined to rule out the possibility of malignant lesions. However, there have been reports of complete elimination of smaller fibroids by oral herbal medicine.  What tests should be done to detect breast fibroadenoma For women before the age of 35, ultrasound of both breasts is the best option. Not only can the actual size of the tumor and the nature of its texture be understood through ultrasound, but the benign and malignant tendencies of the tumor can also be clarified through blood flow signals. For women over the age of 35-40, if a hard tumor is palpated, mammography can be used to find out whether the edges of the tumor are regular and to exclude other malignant diseases such as breast cancer, etc. Mammography is not recommended for women before the age of 34 because the gland is more dense and less sensitive to X-rays. When fibroids are found, what should we pay attention to in terms of diet? Breast fibroids are common benign tumors in the female reproductive organs, and their pathogenesis is closely related to diet in daily life. Patients with breast fibroids are not allowed to eat seafood and high-fat foods, and usually have a light diet. Forbidden diet: Do not eat salted, smoked, baked and fried food, especially baked and caramelized food. Eat less spicy and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers. In addition to diet, patients should also pay attention to rest, hydrate and strengthen resistance, so as to better prevent and control the disease, do not often stay up late, ensure sufficient sleep, avoid excessive exertion and excitement, keep a happy spirit, so as not to affect the endocrine system and aggravate the disease.        Prevention of breast fibroid malignancy: (1) Care for your breasts and insist on physical examination: every woman of different ages should insist on breast self-examination, which should be carried out about 7 days after menstruation each month.  (2) Maintain a good mentality and healthy rhythm of life, overcome bad eating habits and hobbies, regular work and life is an effective way to prevent the occurrence of breast diseases.  (3) Correctly treat breast diseases, do not avoid the disease. Immediately after finding a lump in the breast, seek examination from a breast specialist and cooperate with the treatment. Although breast fibroids are benign tumors, there is also the possibility of malignancy, especially during pregnancy and lactation, or if the tumor grows rapidly or has a long course at an older age, accompanied by breast hyperplasia or multiple recurrences, you should be vigilant and seek timely medical attention to prevent changes in your condition. Every female friend should do early prevention and early detection and treatment.