Leaf fibroadenoma is a neoplasm of a benign nature. It often appears as a result of hormonal imbalance. The likelihood of a tumor of this kind becoming malignant is rather small. It is about 5 percent.
Features of the disease
The sizes of leaf-shaped fibroadenomas can be different. In medical practice, there are both very small and fairly large neoplasms. Some patients are diagnosed with cancerous tumors of this kind, while others have a benign pathology. The disease develops, as a rule, among the fair sex.
Most often, it occurs in girls under the age of 20 years or in women from 40 and older. This is a relatively rare type of breast tumor.
The main characteristics of the neoplasm
Leaf fibroadenoma is divided into three types:
- Benign.
- Cancer
- Intermediate, or borderline.
This tumor has a fairly dense consistency, consists of lobules or large grains. The way the leaf-shaped fibroadenoma looks is clearly shown in the photo.
Inside the neoplasm are small nodules filled with mucous contents. It has a pinkish or light gray tint. The size of the tumor varies from one to thirty-five sentiments. However, the nature of the neoplasm is not determined by its volume. A small value does not guarantee the absence of cancer pathology.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease
A tumor appears as a result of various causes. Experts argue that leaf-shaped fibroadenoma of the mammary gland can form under the following circumstances:
- The period of gestation.
- The presence of excess kilograms.
- Lactation.
- Pathologies of the liver that are chronic.
- Disorders of the functions of the vital substance.
- Multiple abortions.
- The presence of mastopathy.
- The presence of various neoplasms in the genital or adrenal glands.
- Poor immune system function.
- Other diseases causing hormonal imbalance.
- Genetic predisposition.
In very rare cases, the neoplasm is diagnosed in representatives of the stronger sex. The cause of the development of the disease in men can only be a violation of hormonal balance.
The main signs of the disease
One of the features of the development of pathology is its ability not to manifest itself for many years. The patient does not feel unwell and does not know about the presence of leaf-shaped fibroadenoma. Symptoms make themselves felt only as a result of exposure to provoking factors, under the influence of which the tumor begins to grow. As a rule, a neoplasm is detected at the doctor’s appointment during the examination of the mammary glands. But sometimes the woman herself notices a seal in the tissues of the organ. It has a dense structure. In a few months, the tumor can significantly increase in size. The growth of the neoplasm is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the chest area.
Other signs of pathology
In the presence of leaf-shaped fibroadenoma, a woman notices a change in the appearance of the mammary gland. The skin in the place where the neoplasm is located acquires a bluish color, becomes thin, and enlarged vessels are visible on them. Liquid is released from the nipple. In rare cases, the surface of the gland is covered with ulcers, the patient rises in temperature, there is a feeling of brokenness.
If the neoplasm is transformed into a cancer pathology, it is not possible to get rid of unpleasant sensations even with the help of medications. A woman has a loss of appetite, a decrease in her ability to work. Perhaps the development of anemia.
Typical tumor location
Only a specialist is able to determine the localization of leaf-shaped fibroadenomas on ultrasound. This method allows you to identify the size of the neoplasm, as well as the part of the gland in which it is located. Typically, the tumor is located in the upper or central quarter of the organ. Often fibroadenoma reaches large volumes. Then it occupies most of the gland. It is formed both in one breast and in both. A malignant neoplasm can lead to the formation of metastases in the lungs, liver, and bones. Pathology does not affect the lymph nodes.
Diagnostic measures
In the early stages, leaf-shaped fibroadenoma of the mammary gland is difficult to recognize. A neoplasm having a small size is practically not palpated. In order to diagnose an ailment, specialists use the following methods:
- Ultrasound examination.
- Tissue biopsy.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- Assessment of the state of the mammary glands using mammography.
If the tendency to increase neoplasm persists for three to four months, this is most likely leaf-shaped fibroadenoma. To accurately determine at what stage the tumor is and whether it has transformed into a cancer pathology, the patient is prescribed the above diagnostic procedures. Depending on the results of the medical measures taken, the specialist selects therapy for the woman, which, as a rule, consists in surgical intervention and taking medications.
Disease treatment
First of all, a patient with a similar diagnosis is undergoing surgery to remove the neoplasm.
If the tumor is benign or borderline in nature, one of two possible types of surgery is performed:
- Removal of the site of the gland in which the pathology develops. The procedure lasts about half an hour. It is performed under general anesthesia. After surgery, a woman spends three to four days in a hospital.
- Removal of a quarter of the mammary gland in which the tumor is located. Such a procedure involves subsequent radiotherapy.
- The operation to remove the entire organ and surrounding tissues. This surgical intervention is performed if the tumor is large or it has transformed into an oncological pathology.
After removal of the site of the gland, specialists conduct a laboratory analysis of the neoplasm. This study allows us to determine the presence of cancer cells in the tissues of the organ.
Sutures that are applied during surgery heal quite quickly. However, a woman should pay attention to her health even when the neoplasm has already been removed. After all, leaf-shaped fibroadenoma can appear again. Does this tumor affect the condition of the fetus during pregnancy? Doctors give the answer in the negative. However, the tumor impedes the process of breastfeeding, as it provokes lactostasis. For this reason, and also due to the fact that in future mothers fibroadenoma is rapidly increasing in size, in this situation, the neoplasm must be removed as soon as possible.
Disease prognosis
After surgery, a woman should regularly visit a doctor. Experts warn that a relapse of pathology is possible within two years. This is especially true for malignant neoplasms.
Every six months, the patient should undergo a medical examination and a mammography procedure. In addition, it is important to comply with all the instructions of the attending doctor. If you adhere to the recommendations, a woman has a chance to get rid of this dangerous disease once and for all.