Is surgery required for breast fibroadenoma before pregnancy?

Jul 16, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My wife has been diagnosed with a breast fibroadenoma. We are currently preparing for pregnancy and are very concerned about its potential impact on the baby. Could you please advise whether surgery is required for breast fibroadenoma before pregnancy?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Whether surgery is needed for breast fibroadenoma before pregnancy depends on the specific circumstances.

For women planning to become pregnant, if the fibroadenoma is small (diameter less than 1 cm), asymptomatic, and shows slow growth, close observation and regular follow-up examinations are generally recommended, and surgery can be postponed temporarily.

However, if the fibroadenoma is large (e.g., reaching 4-5 cm in diameter), causes significant symptoms, grows rapidly, or shows abundant peripheral blood flow signals, surgical removal before pregnancy is recommended to prevent potential tumor enlargement or malignant transformation due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Surgical options include minimally invasive procedures and fibroadenoma excision, with the specific approach determined based on tumor size and patient condition.