What is a Breast Fibroadenoma?

Fibroadenoma is a benign tumor of the breast tissue, commonly seen in teenagers but can occur in women of all ages Usually at the time of the first mammogram. Some may enlarge and become painful, others may get smaller and disappear after a while. The diagnosis is made with image-guided needle core biopsy under local anesthesia.

Interstitial laser therapy for fibroadenomas

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed with a needle core biopsy, three methods of management are available to the patient: 1. observation with mammogram or ultrasound over months and years. 2. Surgical removal. 3. A minimally invasive method of ablating/destroying the fibroadenoma within the breast by laser energy or other similar techniques. Under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance in an office or an outpatient setting, the laser energy is given through an optic fiber placed within a thin needle inserted into the center of the fibroadenoma. A second thermal sensor needle placed adjacent to the laser needle monitors the temperature of the heated tumor and once its multiple sensors reach 60 Celsius, the fibroadenoma is totally devitalized. The needles are removed and the patient goes home after one hour of observation with an icepack on the breast and Tylenol tablets. The devitalized tumor is absorbed by the immune system of the body over 6-12 months and the original palpable lump becomes non-palpable. Its regression into a scar tissue or total disappearance may be periodically checked by ultrasound or mammogram. Even a needle biopsy may be taken for confirmation.