Nurse caring for a patient with breast mass may have to know that all the following facts are true regarding fibroadenoma of breast EXCEPT

Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer-2017

Explanation

Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumors most commonly found in young, premenopausal women, typically between the ages of 15 and 35.
They are sensitive to hormones like estrogen, which is why they may grow during pregnancy and tend to shrink after menopause when estrogen levels decline.
The development of a new fibroadenoma in a postmenopausal woman is rare, unless she is on hormone replacement therapy.

Option A: This is a true statement. Fibroadenomas are classically described on physical examination as having a firm, rubbery consistency and are typically painless or non-tender.
Option B: This is a true statement. A key feature of a fibroadenoma is its high mobility within the breast tissue, often described as a 'breast mouse' because it slips away from the examining fingers.
Option D: This is a true statement for many cases. Management is often conservative, involving observation and regular follow-up. An excision biopsy is reserved for cases where the mass is large, growing rapidly, symptomatic, or if there is diagnostic uncertainty or patient anxiety.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Characteristics and management of fibroadenoma of the breast to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education regarding breast self-examination (BSE) and the characteristics of different breast lumps, reassuring patients about benign findings while stressing the importance of medical evaluation for any new mass.
A key nursing responsibility is to prepare the patient for diagnostic procedures like ultrasound or biopsy, explaining the process and providing emotional support.
What if? If the patient was 25 years old and pregnant, a fibroadenoma might be expected to increase in size due to hormonal influences, warranting closer monitoring but not necessarily immediate intervention unless it grows very rapidly or becomes painful.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'fibroadenoma of the breast'.
Note the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the statement that is FALSE or does not apply to fibroadenomas.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge of fibroadenomas by asking 'Is this statement true about fibroadenomas?'.
Option A (rubbery, non-tender) is a classic description. True.
Option B (moves freely) is a hallmark sign ('breast mouse'). True.
Option D (no treatment/excision) is a common management strategy. True.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Characteristics and management of fibroadenoma of the breast.
Stem keywords: fibroadenoma, breast mass
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the exception among the given statements.

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Practise the full JIPMER Nursing Officer-2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.