A Review on the Prevalence and Management of Fibroadenoma Cases in Ages 18-39 Years Within 2016-2020 At Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract

Abstract Fibroadenomas are one of the most common benign tumors of the breast in women between 18–39 years of age. In the adolescent population, the overall incidence of fibroadenoma is 2.2% and they account for 68% of all breast masses and 44–94% of biopsied breast lesions. A fibroadenoma feels like a firm, smooth or rubbery lump in the breast with a well-defined shape. It is painless and moves easily when touched. Although healthy breast tissue often feels lumpy, a new lump or change in the breasts should be examined by a physician. This research study was to determine the prevalence of Fibroadenoma primarily in females between ages 18–39 years (with ages < 18 years and post-menopausal ages in view) at Asokoro District Hospital within a five-year period. The data collected for this five years study indicated a fall and rises of breast samples received at Asokoro District Hospital (Clinical Pathology Unit). From the total number of breast tissues received and processed by the Clinical pathologist, there was a constant increase in the number of fibroadenoma cases amongst ages 18–39 years (which is the active reproductive years of a female). The prevalence of fibroadenoma in ages 18–39 years, indicated an instability in the reproductive hormones of the female due to estrogen and progesterone receptors. According to Greenberg R, Skornick Y, Kaplan O (September 1998), these hormones stimulated the fibroadenomas via hormone-receptor mechanism leading to excessive proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells but undergo atrophy during menopause. The constant and alarming increase in fibroadenoma cases suggests a progressive and harbored mutations in the exon (exon 2) of the mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) gene of the stromal cells of the breast which leads to the excessive proliferation. Hence, this indicates that an unhealthy diet pattern over the years could be the leading cause of this hormonal imbalance and stromal cell mutation. These findings agree with the discoveries made by Lee M, Soltanian HT (2015) on the “conditions associated with fibroadenoma”. Furthermore, according to the November 2018 edition of "Fibroadenomas of the Breast", complex/multiple fibroadenoma cases in the pre-menopausal years of a female, could result in phyllodes tumor at the age of 45–59 (post-menopausal years) which increases the risk of breast cancer. The data collected in this research showed evidence of these cases between ages 40–59 years. which indicates a growing risk of breast cancer each year. Treatment and management of fibroadenoma cases includes (but are not limited to), surgical removal, proper healthy diet/lifestyle pattern and medical counselling (especially in the active reproductive years of the female) is top priority in reducing the occurrence of fibroadenomas in young adults.