Giant fibroadenoma in a 22 year old patient: case report and literature review

A rapidly growing fibroadenoma in a pregnant woman: A case report

BACKGROUND

Fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast lesions in women. They present as a unilateral mass and can rapidly enlarge in size through hormonal changes. Fibroadenomas could be classified as small or giant, and as simple or complex. They are classified as 'giant' when the size exceeds 5 cm and/or weight 500 gram; and as 'complex' if one of the following characteristics is present: cysts with a size >3 mm, epithelial calcifications, sclerosing adenosis and papillary apocrine metaplasia. Giant fibroadenomas can cause compression of surrounding breast tissue or breast asymmetry, requiring surgical excision in order to preserve a normal breast shape.

CASE

A 26-year-old pregnant woman was referred with a palpable mass of her right breast. The mass rapidly increased in size to a diameter of 13 cm during the second trimester of her pregnancy. A tru-cut biopsy confirmed a fibroadenoma. The rapid growth and compression of normal breast tissues indicated a lumpectomy during her pregnancy. The mass was easily excised without any consequences for the pregnancy. Pathological examination showed a complex giant fibroadenoma.

CONCLUSION

A unique case of a pregnant woman with rapid progression of a fibroadenoma that met the criteria of a complex and giant fibroadenoma, was presented. This case emphasizes the importance of timely surgical intervention, even during pregnancy, to prevent permanent breast tissue damage.

Largest giant juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast

Juvenile giant fibroadenoma is a rare benign tumour of the breast accounting for 0.5% of all fibroadenomas. The presentation can be very dramatic and may result in breast deformity and may mimic a rare malignant tumour. It is indeed a great challenge to provide the best treatment for these patients in terms of clinical and psychological care. Meticulous surgical planning is required to ensure a fine balance between adequate resection and the best cosmetic outcome for a developing breast. Every effort should be made to preserve the developing breast irrespective of the size of the tumour as it is in this case. We report the world's largest juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast in a 16-year-old girl who presented to our hospital with a 28×25 cm mass on her left breast in which breast conservation was done. A detailed literature search and management of these lesions are discussed.

A Diagnostic Approach to Fibroepithelial Breast Lesions

Fibroepithelial breast lesions encompass a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that range from benign to malignant, each exhibiting differing degrees of stromal proliferation in relation to the epithelial compartment. Fibroadenomas are common benign neoplasms that may be treated conservatively. Phyllodes tumors are relatively rare lesions, and classified as benign, borderline, or malignant based on histologic evaluation of various parameters. The diagnostic interpretation of "gray-zone" fibroepithelial lesions often imposes formidable demands on a pathologist's skills. This article offers practical recommendations for the diagnostic workup of these lesions, including the appropriate utilization of ancillary investigations and the approach to core needle biopsies.

Giant juvenile fibroadenoma: a systematic review with diagnostic and treatment recommendations

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is a lack of clear guidelines regarding evaluation and management of giant juvenile fibroadenomas. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of giant juvenile fibroadenomas and to evaluate the most common diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE databases was conducted in February 2014 to identify articles related to giant juvenile fibroadenomas. Pooled outcomes are reported.

RESULTS

Fifty-two articles (153 patients) met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 16.7 years old, with a mean lesion size of 11.2 cm. Most patients (86%) presented with a single breast mass. Imaging modalities included ultrasound in 72.5% and mammography in 26.1% of cases. Tissue diagnosis was obtained using a core needle biopsy in 18.3% of cases, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in 25.5%, and excisional biopsy in 11.1% of patients. Surgical treatment was implemented in 98.7% of patients (mean time to treatment of 9.5 months, range, 3 days to 7 years). Surgical intervention included excision in all cases, of which four were mastectomies. Breast reconstruction was completed in 17.6% of cases. There were no postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis and treatment of giant juvenile fibroadenoma is heterogeneous. There is a paucity of data to support observation and non-operative treatment. The most common diagnostic modalities include core needle or excisional biopsy. The mainstay of treatment is complete excision with an emphasis on preserving the developing breast parenchyma and nipple areolar complex. Breast reconstruction is uncommon, but may be necessary in certain cases.