The Explorer Islamabad: Journal of Social Sciences

ISSN: 2411-0132(E), 2411-5487(P)

Vol-2, Issue (2): 42-45
www.theexplorerpak.org

BREAST FIBRO ADENOMAS IN FEMALE: AN ANTHROPO-MEDICAL APPROACH

Laraib Imran
Department of Anthropology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi
Corresponding Author:
Laraib Imran
PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi
laraibimran2015@gmail.com
Abstract: Fibro adenomas are one of the main benign diseases of breast. Though considered as a risk factor for
development of breast cancer its reporting has been over shadowed by that of breast cancer. Early diagnosis and
treatment can relieve anxiety associated with non malignant conditions of breast. Analysis of pattern and
prevalence should provide a valuable guideline for clinicians in Pakistan for comparison with other countries. The
proposed study was conducted in CMH hospital Rawalpindi and Al-Shifa Hospital Islamabad. A sample of 40
patients was taken by using snowball sampling technique. Among all of the 40 cases of fibro adenomas most of
them were in married women of age 16-30.The result of this study suggest that the pattern of benign breast lump
is changing in young females from fibro adenomas to fibrocystic disease. Fibro adenomas are the most common
benign disease of the breast with average age of presentation 25 years. Benign breast disease is common in this
region with majority belonging to those with less relative risk for cancer development. Therefore, it is advisable
that all cases of breast lumps should be carefully evaluated before definitive surgical procedures are employed.

Key Words: Fibro Adenomas, Breast, Breast cancer, Anxiety

INTRODUCTION
Breast development is one of the first evident
signs of puberty and is a distinguishing feature of
mammals (Mallikarjuna and Maralihall 2015). Its
development and growth is under the control of
numerous hormones and various physiological
states such as pregnancy and lactation. Any
variation in breast normal progression often
deserves attention (Ravika and Omkareshwar
2014). As any abnormal growth in breast may
lead to certain disease. When one encounter a
large breast mass in adolescence it may leads to
the occurrence of virginal hypertrophy, giant fibro
adenoma, cysto sarcoma, phyllodes. Small
hormonal changes in normal breast tissues that
cause an area to over grow called fibro
adenomas. It is the most common benign tumor
of female breast which implies a new growth
comprising of both fibrous and glandular tissue
(Bauer, et al. 1987). Although the majority of
breast disorder in pediatric patients are benign.
The majority of them are associated with
inflammation due to infection or benign tumors
like fibro adenomas. Fibro adenomas usually
present as an encapsulated, mobile, rubbery, not
tender mass/masses. If the mass is not diagnosed
early it can cause psychological trauma to the
patients (Raganoonan, et al. 1987).

Fibro adenomas are solid lumps made up of

fibrous tissues and gland cells that have multiplies
faster than normal. It is usually, painless, firm
lump that may increase in size over time, but it
does not tend to change with menstrual cycle.
Fibro adenomas are often found alone, but about
15% of women have them in groups or in both
breasts (Kneece 2003; Lauersen and Stukane
1998; Tea, et al. 2009). Some women find the
lump becomes tender before their periods. Fibro
adenoma is responsive to hormone levels
therefore; women taking hormone therapy can
get them even after menopause. Due to hormone
sensitive, fibro adenoma can change in size with
varying hormone levels. Fibro adenomas respond
to hormones, and may increase slightly with each
menstrual cycle. The cause of fibro adenomas is
not known having fibro adenomas in the breasts
does not increase your risk of developing breast
cancer.
Fibro adenomas are common between age
groups 20 and 35 years, but can occur at any age
group within reproductive period of life. Fibro
adenomas usually occur during the young adult
year and are most common in teenagers and
women in their twenties however, they can occur
at any age, up until menopause. A woman can get
them after menopause if they are taking
hormones. Fibro adenomas have no greater

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chance of developing into a breast cancer then

other breast tissues. They can vary in size
anywhere from pea size to larger than a lemon
(Greenall 2000).The main objective of the study
was to measure the psychological effects of fibro
adenomas. And to evaluate the other factors and
fibro adenomas risk.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study includes cases of fibro
adenomas breast disease and the study was
conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad CMH and
Al-shifa Hospital. A sample of 40 respondents to
collect data. After completing the data collection
phase data was entered and analyzed in spss. A
snow ball technique is used for sampling. Data
collection was done through structured
interviews. A Questionnaire based on close ended
questions was used to collect data.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table.1: History of breast problems in respondents

Responses
Frequency
Percent
Yes my family 16
40.0
have
this
problem
No I am the 13
only
one
32.5
having
this
problem
no I have this 11
27.5
problem but
not in close
relatives
Total
40
100.0
Table no 1. is about the history of breast
problems in family. However, a family history of
breast cancer and fibro adenomas in first-degree
relatives was reported by some investigators to
be related with increased risk of developing these
tumors. In some cases, a strong family history of
breast cancer is linked to having an abnormal
gene associated with a high risk of breast cancer.
And it shows that 40.0 percent patients are the
family history of breast fibro adenomas. And 32.5
percent respondents said that she is the only one
having this problem. But 27.5 percent patients
have family history but not in close relatives.
Although malignant transformation in a fibro
adenomas is rare, high suspicion index in middle
age women with fibro adenomas and associated
risk factors like strong family history (Moskowitz,
et al. 1980; McDivtt, et al. 1965; Goldman, et al.
1969).

Table. 2: Perception of respondents about breast

lump

Responses
Frequency
Percent
Fibro
29
72.5
adenomas
Cancer
4
10.0
It could be a 7
17.5
cyst
Total
40
100.0
Table no 2. Illustrates that Fibro adenomas are
benign (not cancerous) breast lump that occurs
mainly in a woman under 35 Fibro adenomas is
the most common benign tumors of breast which
implies a new growth comprising of both fibrous
and glandular tissue. Fibro adenoma is a tumor
formed of mixed fibrous and glandular tissue,
typically occurring as a benign growth in the
breast. Only 72.5 percent patients are with fibro
adenomas. Cyst is a membranous sac or cavity of
abnormal character in the body, containing
fluid.17.5 percent patients are with the cyst. And
cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled
division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.
Only 10 percent patients are with cancer. The
study shows that a few people think that when
they feel lumps in breast they think that it could
be fibro adenomas, cyst or cancer (Raganoonan,
et al. 1987; Rattan, et al. 2007).
Table.3: Surgically removal of lumps

Responses
Frequency Percent
Yes if the size of 15
37.5
lumps
kept
on
increasing
No not necessary if 8
20.0
this not increasing
Yes in case if you feel 17
42.5
pain
Total
40
100.0
Table no 3. Describes when patients feel pain and
the size of lump increases they have removed the
lumps by surgery. Fibro adenomas are partially
hormone-dependent and frequently regress after
menopause. Fibro adenoma is usually diagnosed
through clinical examination, ultrasound or
mammography, and often a needle biopsy
sample of the lump. The extent of the operation
to remove fibro adenomas depends on its size.
Fibro adenomas usually present as firm,
mobile,painless,easily palpable breast nodules
and 37.5 percent patients have it. And 42.5
percent people removed it in case of feeling pain.
But most cases the size of lump does not increase

43

and they have no need to remove it. They can

occur in any part of reproductive life of female
but more common between the age groups 20
and 35 years. If the size increases more than
5cm the fibro adenomas are removed surgically
(Rattan, et al. 2007; Bauer, et al. 1987).
Table. 4: Effect of fibro adenomas on social life of
respondent

Responses

Frequency Percent

I got breakup when it 22

is revealed that I have
fibro adenomas
No I have no effect on 7
my social life

55.0

Yes I have
isolated
for
disease
Total

27.5

been 11
this
40

17.5

100.0

Table no 4.Explain that people have bad

perception about this disease. They got breakup
and they have been isolated from this problem.
The disease impact on patients social life. And it
has great social impact and economic burden on
society .In this situation social engagement is our
most evolved strategy for keeping ourselves
feeling calm and safe.
Table.5: Psychological effect of fibro adenomas

Responses
Yes

Frequency

Percent

33

82.5

No
7
17.5
Total
40
100.0
Table no 5.Represent that there is a high
incidence of benign breast lumps among women,
and these lumps may lead to physical and
psychological problems. Treatment for giant or
juvenile fibro adenomas in female is necessary
because of distortion of the breast, potential to
cause psychological harm, and potential for
enlargement that may cause venous congestion,
glandular distortion, pressure necrosis and
ulceration. The study aimed to evaluate anxiety
and depressive symptoms among patients with
benign breast lumps. Psychological guidance and
detailed explanations of the disease should be
offered to patients with benign breast lumps and
to adjust their psychological state and improve
the subjective feelings and understanding of the
disease (Phillips, et al. 2009).

CONCLUSION
From this study, it is obvious that the most
common benign breast disease in this
environment is fibro adenomas, followed by
fibrocystic changes and that generally, benign
breast disease is common in this region with
majority belonging to those with less relative risk
for cancer development. Therefore it is advisable
that all cases of breast lumps should be carefully
evaluated before definitive surgical procedures
are employed.
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Publication Date: Feb-29 -2016
2016 The Explorer Islamabad Journal of Social Sciences-Pakistan

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