Mammary fibroadenoma or FAM generally does not require treatment or surgery. Usually these tumors can shrink by itself. However, sometimes doctors will suggest FAM surgery if the tumor gets bigger.
Fibroadenoma mammary (FAM) is a benign tumor of the breast that can occur in women between the ages of 15 and 35 years. The presence of these benign tumors is usually not recognized. Apart from being usually small in size, FAM is also painless. When palpated, this tumor is round, feels rubbery, and can shift.
How Important is FAM (Mammal Fibroadenoma) Surgery?
In fact, mammary fibroadenoma does not require surgery. This is because the lump can go away on its own as a woman's hormone levels decrease towards menopause.
The increase in female hormones can indeed cause the size of the fibroadenoma to enlarge, for example during pregnancy or while undergoing hormone replacement therapy. However, the tumor will shrink again when hormone levels return to normal.
However, to make sure the tumor is really benign, the doctor will suggest some additional tests, such as:
Breast ultrasound or mammography
The choice between breast ultrasound or mammography is based on your age. Usually, women under 35 years of age will be advised to undergo an ultrasound examination, while those over the age are advised to undergo a mammography examination.
Biopsy
The doctor may also suggest a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is performed by removing part of the tumor tissue using a small needle. After that, the tissue is sent to a laboratory to be determined whether it is benign or malignant.
If the results of the examination state that the type of tumor is indeed mammary fibroadenoma and does not lead to breast cancer, the doctor usually does not recommend surgery. However, there are several things that can be considered for FAM surgery, namely:
- Having a history of cancer in the family
- The development of fibroadenoma is worrying and worrying
- Fibroadenoma changes the natural shape of the breast
- Fibroadenoma causes pain
FAM Operasi Operation Procedure
FAM operation can be performed through the two methods below:
- Lumpectomy, in which the entire fibroadenoma lump is surgically removed from the breast. In this operation, the patient is usually under general anaesthesia. The surgical wound caused by this procedure is quite large and usually fades within 3 months.
- Cryoablation, in which the fibroadenoma lump is destroyed by freezing it first. Freezing of the lump is done using a gas that is injected directly into the lump. This operation does not require general anesthesia and the surgical scar is very small.
If the FAM has been removed, there is still a possibility that the tumor will reappear. A person with a history of FAM also has a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that you have regular follow-up checks with your doctor.
Then, the important thing that you must remember is to do breast self-examination (BSE) regularly.