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What is a Breast Hamartoma?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

A breast hamartoma, also known as a fibroadenolipoma, is a solid, benign mass that forms in the soft tissue of the breast. Frequently diagnosed in young women, a breast hamartoma that remains unchanged often requires regular monitoring, but no treatment. In instances where the hamartoma changes shape or increases in size, a biopsy and surgical removal of the mass may be performed. Rarely does a hamartoma lead to the development of breast cancer, but, for some women, the presence of a fibroadenolipoma may increase the chance of breast cancer later in life.

There is no known cause for the development of a breast hamartoma. Made up of both connective and glandular tissues, it has been asserted that hormones contribute to the formation of a fibroadenolipoma. The hormonal connection is further supported evidentially by the frequency of diagnoses of hamartomas that occur in women of reproductive age.

A mammogram may be performed to produce a clear image of the location, size, and shape of a breast hamartoma.
A mammogram may be performed to produce a clear image of the location, size, and shape of a breast hamartoma.

The solid mass that forms within the breast tissue is palpable and may be easily moved and possesses distinct shape. Though many do not cause pain, if the hamartoma grows large enough it can compress the surrounding tissues or nerves and cause pain. Masses which measure up to 0.7 inches (about 2 cm) in size are considered normal, and those measuring 2 inches (about 5 cm) or more are classified as extremely large. Often, women with a breast hamartoma who are pregnant or breast-feeding may experience an enlargement of the mass, which should be monitored.

A breast hamartoma may require surgical removal.
A breast hamartoma may require surgical removal.

There are several tests that may be administered to evaluate a hamartoma. Commonly, a physician will initially ask a series of questions, such as when the lump first appeared and what types of symptoms the woman may be experiencing, and perform a clinical breast exam to check the lump and determine whether there are any additional abnormalities. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound and mammography, may be administered to produce a clear picture of the location, size, and shape of the hamartoma. Additionally, a fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy may also be conducted.

A physician will perform a clinical breast exam to check the lump and determine if there are any additional abnormalities.
A physician will perform a clinical breast exam to check the lump and determine if there are any additional abnormalities.

A fine-needle aspiration is a diagnostic test used to determine the density of the mass. During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the mass to draw out fluid; if no fluid is withdrawn, the mass is determined to be solid. A small collection of cells may also be obtained for further testing to rule out the presence of cancer. A core needle biopsy involves the use of a large needle to collect tissue samples from the mass, which are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Because these tumors are made of of several types of cells, often the only way to definitively diagnose a lump as a breast hamartoma is after it has been removed.

Breast hamartomas are frequently diagnosed in young women.
Breast hamartomas are frequently diagnosed in young women.

The surgical removal of a hamartoma is often recommended when clinical and diagnostic test results are abnormal. Women whose breast shape has been altered due to the mass or who are uncomfortable with leaving the hamartoma in place may consider having the mass surgically removed. It is important for women to discuss the risks associated with a lumpectomy with their physician prior to opting for surgery. In some cases, removal of a fibroadenolipoma may result in the disfigurement of the breast and the creation of scar tissue.

If the hamartoma grows large enough it can compress the surrounding tissues or nerves and cause pain.
If the hamartoma grows large enough it can compress the surrounding tissues or nerves and cause pain.

An excisional biopsy, also known as a lumpectomy, is an invasive procedure that involves the removal of the fibroadenolipoma and part of the surrounding tissue; all of which is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Once the mass has been removed, it is possible for another fibroadenolipoma to form in its place, which may require another lumpectomy later on. Women who do not have the mass surgically removed should continue to be conscientious about having regular exams to monitor the mass for any changes that may occur.

Discussion Comments

musicshaman

Reading about all these breast problems makes me really glad I'm a guy. I mean, I know that guys can get breast cancner and whatnot too, but from what I understand it's pretty rare, right?

At least I'm hoping it is, because the more I read about breast cysts and carinomas of the breast and dense breast tissue and all that I can't imagine having to be afraid of that all the time.

How do you ladies do it?

galen84basc

I had a friend who had a breast fibroadenoma when she was younger. Of course, when she first found the lump she was totally freaking out, and her doctor was a little worried too, because it seemed to be growing.

However, she did the whole aspiration/breast biopsy thing and it turned out just to be fibroadenoma, thank God!

Apparently what had happened was that she had accidentally caused some kind of trauma to the breast several months before, without noticing it -- the doctor said she could have even just hit it during her sleep -- and that caused somethign to go wonky with the cells, causing the breast tumor.

We were just glad that it wasn't a carcinoma of the breast or anything -- and of course, now we're all up on our breast pathology, which we obsessively studied while waiting for her results, which I suppose is also a benefit.

rallenwriter

Are there really any huge advantages to having a breast fibroadenoma removed it it's not causing a lot of problems, and if it's not painful?

I have had several patches of dense breast tissue in my breast for years now, really ever since I started to get breasts, and they've never gotten bigger or caused me any problems, so I've never seen a reason to remove them.

When I first started getting regular breast exams, my doctor tested for breast cancer with an ultrasound, but she said that it shouldn't be a cause for concern.

So while I'm not exactly worried about it reading that it could be an indication of breast cancer later on does kind of catch my attention. If I got the harmatomas removed, would that make any difference, or am I fine just as is?

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    • A mammogram may be performed to produce a clear image of the location, size, and shape of a breast hamartoma.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A mammogram may be performed to produce a clear image of the location, size, and shape of a breast hamartoma.
    • A breast hamartoma may require surgical removal.
      By: Dario Lo Presti
      A breast hamartoma may require surgical removal.
    • A physician will perform a clinical breast exam to check the lump and determine if there are any additional abnormalities.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A physician will perform a clinical breast exam to check the lump and determine if there are any additional abnormalities.
    • Breast hamartomas are frequently diagnosed in young women.
      By: Arto
      Breast hamartomas are frequently diagnosed in young women.
    • If the hamartoma grows large enough it can compress the surrounding tissues or nerves and cause pain.
      By: Iaroslava Zubenko
      If the hamartoma grows large enough it can compress the surrounding tissues or nerves and cause pain.