Fibroadenoma: A harbor for various histopathological changes

Background: Fibroadenomas (FAs) are the most common benign tumor of the female breast constituting approximately one-third of all benign breast lesions. Epithelial elements of FA can exhibit spectrum of proliferative changes similar to those found in normal breast counterparts. Objective: To study and analyze various histopathological changes within FAs. Materials and Methods: A 3 years retrospective study conducted in the Department of Pathology Employee′s State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research and ESIC Model Hospital, Rajajinagar. Bengaluru. 372 diagnosed cases of FAs were retrieved and examined for various changes associated within it. Relevant clinical data were analyzed. Results: FAs were commonly encountered in the age group of 21-30 years (63.2). 42.5% of FAs had associated pathological entities. Complex FAs were 1.5%, 0.9% of infarcts and 0.3% of FA with extensive squamous metaplasia. 24.3% of FA with fibrocystic disease, 12.3% of FA with varied degrees of hyperplasia and 0.3% of invasive carcinoma was noted. Incidental detection of even single case of carcinoma within FA emphasizes the need for comprehensive histopathological examination of all FAs. Conclusions: The present study highlights various gamut of nonproliferative and proliferative lesions seen in amalgamate within FAs. Early detection enables further management and surveillance of the concerned patients.