Nursing caring for a patient with breast mass, may have to know that all the following facts are true regarding fibroadenoma of breast EXCEPT
A. rubbery, non-tender mass B. moves freely inside breast C. occurs in postmenopausal women D. no treatment/excision biology is usually done
Correct Answer: C. occurs in postmenopausal women
Explanation
The incorrect (EXCEPT) statement regarding fibroadenoma of the breast is:
👉 C. Occurs in postmenopausal women
Explanation:
Fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumor with the following typical features:
- Rubbery, firm, non-tender mass ✅
- Freely mobile within the breast (“breast mouse”) ✅
- Commonly occurs in young women, especially 15–35 years ❌ (not postmenopausal)
- Usually does not require treatment or excision unless it is large, growing, painful, or diagnosis is uncertain ✅
Why option C is wrong:
- Breast lumps in postmenopausal women are more suspicious for malignancy, not fibroadenoma.
- Fibroadenomas tend to regress after menopause due to reduced estrogen levels.
✅ Correct answer: C. Occurs in postmenopausal women
Other Options Details
These options describe features commonly discussed when differentiating benign vs malignant breast lumps, especially fibroadenoma.
Here is a clear explanation of each option:
A. Rubbery, non-tender mass
- A rubbery or firm consistency that is non-tender is typical of a benign breast tumor, most commonly fibroadenoma.
- Malignant tumors are usually hard, irregular, and may be tender or painful in later stages.
B. Moves freely inside the breast
- A lump that moves freely on palpation is called a mobile mass.
- This is a classic feature of fibroadenoma, often referred to as a “breast mouse” because it slips away under the fingers.
- Cancerous lumps are usually fixed to surrounding tissues.
C. Occurs in postmenopausal women
- This statement is incorrect for fibroadenoma.
- Fibroadenoma usually occurs in young women, especially between 15–35 years.
- Breast lumps appearing in postmenopausal women are more suspicious for malignancy and require careful evaluation.
D. No treatment / excision biopsy is usually done
- Many fibroadenomas do not require treatment if they are small, asymptomatic, and diagnosis is clear.
- Excision biopsy or surgical removal may be done if:
- The lump is large
- Rapidly increasing in size
- Causing anxiety
- Diagnosis is uncertain
Summary
- A & B → Typical features of fibroadenoma (benign breast tumor)
- C → Suggests malignancy, not fibroadenoma
- D → Conservative management is common unless indicated
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group