Histological variations in fibroadenoma of breast

Abstract

Background: Fibroadenoma of the breast is a relatively frequently occurring tumor. Although often considered a benign tumour, several reports describe a higher risk of subsequent breast carcinoma in patients diagnosed with fibroadenoma. Increased risk depends on presence of complex changes within fibroadenoma, presence of hyperplasia and positive family history for breast cancer. But surprisingly not much literature is available on the variations within the fibroadenoma of the breast. Aims and Objectives: Our main aim was to study the histological variations within the fibroadenoma of the breast. We also tried to identify those lesions with the possible risk of malignancy. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 specimens of fibroadenoma of breast between May 2013 and April 2015 were studied at our institute. Slides were stained with hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) and were thoroughly reviewed. Slides were screened for proliferative epithelial changes, fibrocystic epithelial changes, stromal changes and various other changes such as foci of tubular adenoma and phyllodes tumour. Slides with invasive malignancies were excluded from the study. Results: Mild hyperplasia was the commonest variation within the fibroadenoma. Complex hyperplasia was seen in older age groups. Conclusion: Fibroadenoma is a common tumour of breast, more frequently occurring in 2 nd and 3 rd decade. Since malignant transformation is not seen or is extremely rare under 35yrs of age, only fibroadenomas in women above this age should be considered for excision biopsy.