Are there differences in the symptoms of breast fibroadenoma and breast cancer?
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, fibroadenoma of the breast and breast cancer have certain differences in their clinical manifestations, including the texture and mobility of the mass, growth rate, presence of pain, accompanying symptoms, and age at onset. Although there are some differences in symptoms between breast fibroadenoma and breast cancer, accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation combining detailed medical history, physical examination, and necessary auxiliary examinations.
Generally, there are certain differences between the symptoms of breast fibroadenoma and breast cancer, including the texture and mobility of the lump, growth rate, pain characteristics, associated symptoms, and age at onset. The specific differences are as follows:
1. Lump texture and mobility: Breast fibroadenomas are typically firm, smooth, well-defined, and highly mobile, often easily pushed around; breast cancer lumps are hard like stone, rough-surfaced, poorly defined, and poorly mobile, often adhering to surrounding tissues and difficult to move.
2. Growth rate: Breast fibroadenomas grow slowly, with a disease course lasting several years and minimal volume change; breast cancers typically grow rapidly, often significantly increasing in size over a short period (weeks or months).
3. Pain: Breast fibroadenomas usually cause no significant pain and are often discovered incidentally; early-stage breast cancer is generally painless, while advanced stages may cause persistent pain if nerves or surrounding tissues are invaded.
4. Associated symptoms: Breast fibroadenomas typically do not present with associated symptoms such as nipple discharge, nipple retraction, or skin changes; breast cancers often present with nipple discharge (often bloody or serous), nipple retraction, skin changes resembling an orange peel (peau d'orange), or dimpling (wineglass sign).
5. Age at onset: Breast fibroadenomas are more common in young women, particularly those aged 20–25 years; breast cancer is more prevalent in middle-aged and elderly women, with a significant increase in incidence after age 40.
Although there are some differences in symptoms between breast fibroadenoma and breast cancer, accurate diagnosis requires a combination of detailed medical history, physical examination, and necessary auxiliary investigations. If any breast abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended to follow the physician's guidance for appropriate examination and treatment.
