>3-4 cm fibroadenoma: what is recommended?

• A. Observation
• B. Excision to rule out malignancy
• C. Radiation therapy
• D. Chemotherapy

Answer: (B)

A lesion of 3–4 cm chosen as a fibroadenoma warrants tissue diagnosis because large fibroepithelial lesions can resemble phyllodes tumors, and phyllodes tumors may require a different surgical approach. Excision provides definitive histology, confirms the benign nature, and ensures there are clear margins if a phyllodes tumor is present. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are not used for benign fibroadenomas, and observation is generally reserved for small, stable lesions in select patients. Therefore, removing the lesion to rule out malignancy and to obtain an exact diagnosis is the preferred management for a 3–4 cm fibroadenoma.