Maybe, there are still many women who think that a lump in the breast is a sign of breast cancer. In fact, these lumps can also be signs of a benign tumor called FAM or Fibroadenoma Mammae. FAM is a benign (non-cancerous) breast tumor that takes the form of a solid lump, does not cause pain, and does not contain fluid. In addition, FAM generally occurs in women aged 14-35 years, but can occur at any age during menstruation and will shrink after menopause.1 In contrast to FAM, breast cancer is a disease caused by the growth of abnormal breast cells and forming a tumor. If left unchecked, it will spread throughout the body and can have fatal consequences for the sufferer.2 Globocan data (2022) shows that the number of new cases of breast cancer reached 66,271 cases (16.2%) of the total 408,661 new cases of cancer in Indonesia, and is the first ranked cancer in Indonesia.3

 

Differences in Signs and Symptoms

Following are some of the differences in signs and symptoms of FAM and breast cancer:4

- The growth of FAM is not fast, while breast cancer has fast and aggressive growth.

- FAM has relatively the same size over time, whereas breast cancer can enlarge and protrude.

- Breast cancer can spread throughout the body, while FAM does not.

- FAM can cause pain when held, while breast cancer will cause pain when it is serious.

- When the breast is touched, FAM has a round shape, is soft, and can move around. In contrast to FAM, breast cancer has an unclear shape, is hard, and is difficult to move when touched.

- FAM does not affect the structure of the skin and nipples, while breast cancer will affect the structure of the skin and nipples around the lump.

Causes and Risk Factors of FAM

Following are some of the causes and risk factors for FAM, including:5

1. Women aged between 15-35 years.

2. Having a history of breast cancer in the family.

3. Taking contraceptive pills before the age of 20 years.

4. Is pregnant.

5. Currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

 

Diagnosis of FAM

The following are several FAM checks that can be carried out:1,6

1. Self-examination can be done when showering or bathing by feeling the breasts whether there are FAM lumps in the breasts.

2. Breast ultrasound, is recommended for patients aged under 35 years because they have dense breast tissue. This test shows clearly and easily the size and shape of the FAM.

3. Mammography, uses X-rays to describe and detect the boundaries of FAM with other tissue in the breast. This test is recommended for patients older than 35 years.

4. Biopsy test, is performed to determine the nature or type of lump in the breast. The commonly used method is core needle biopsy.

 

FAM Treatment

Generally, FAM does not require treatment because it can shrink and disappear by itself or remain there but does not change. If the results of an imaging examination or biopsy are worrying for the patient, such as a FAM growing rapidly, enlarging, or causing symptoms, it is necessary to surgically remove the fibroadenoma.6

Understanding the difference between FAM and breast cancer is important and early screening for breast cancer could prevent lumps in the breast developing towards a more serious condition, thus appropriate treatment could be immediately carried out.

 

 

 

References:

1. Ajmal, M., Khan, M., and Fossen, K.V. Breast Fibroadenoma. Last reviewed: October 6, 2022. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535345/

2. World Health Organization. Breast cancer. Last reviewed: July 12, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

3. Global Cancer Observatory WHO. Data Cancer in Indonesia. Last reviewed: February 8, 2024. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/en/fact-sheets-populations#countries

4. Tim Medis Siloam Hospitals. 5 Perbedaan Tumor dan Kanker Payudara yang Perlu Dikenali. Last reviewed: November 7, 2023. Available at: https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/perbedaan-tumor-dan-kanker-payudara

5. Fibroadenoma. Last reviewed: April 16, 2022. Available at: https://www.alodokter.com/fibroadenoma

6. Mayo Clinic Staff. Fibroadenoma. Last reviewed: October 13, 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibroadenoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352756