The following investigations can be used for diagnosing fibroadenoma
Mammogram
Ultrasonography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Fine needle aspiration cytology
Core biopsy
Excision biopsy
Mammogram
Mammography uses X- rays to produce an image (mammogram) of the suspected areas
Fibroadenoma typically presents as well circumscribed , lobulated density with smooth, round edges, occasionally with radiolucent halo
pop-corn calcifications may be seen
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography uses sound waves to produce images of the lesion.
Ultrasound in addition to mammogram is helpful to determine whether it is soilid lesion or fluid filled mass.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
It is not much helpful as it cannot distinguish between malignant and benign lesion depending on the signal intensity
Lobulations and internal septations give clue to the diagnosis of fibroadenoma
Fine needle aspiration cytology
It is simple procedure in which fine needle is passed into the lesion and the material is aspirated by applying negative suction while withdrawing the needle.
The aspirated material is pushed on to the slide and smears are prepared by spreading the material.
In fibroadenoma smears are hypercellular with large cohesive monolayered sheets of ductal epithelial cells. Antler horn like arrangement may be seen. Bipolar cells and naked nuclei may be seen in the background. Fibrillary stromal fragments with myxoid change will be present. Ductal epithelial cells have round to oval nucleus. mild nuclear atypia with small round nucleolus can be seen.
Core needle biopsy
This is performed under the ultrasound guidance.
Needle is used to take the linear tissue bits and are sent for histopathological examination
Excision biopsy
Lesion is excised and sent for histopathological examination