A 21-year-old woman presents with an asymptomatic breast mass. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true concerning her diagnosis and treatment?

b. Ultrasonography is often useful in the differential diagnosis of this lesion

Fibroadenoma represents the most common tumor in adolescents and young woman, but if also frequently encountered in older women. It generally presents as a palpable breast mass and must be differentiated from cancer. Typically, fibroadenoma presents as a painless, slow-growing mass found incidentally on breast self examination. Palpation of a mass usually reveals a well-circumscribed, oval or round, mobile mass with a firm, rubbery texture. Because the mammographic appearance of a fibroadenoma is rarely characteristic, mammography plays little role in diagnosing this lesion. Ultrasonography can differentiate a solid mass from a cyst. Additionally, the ultrasonic appearance of a wellmarginated, homogenous mass may be sufficiently characteristic to permit diagnosis of fibroadenoma. Excisional biopsy is not necessary for every fibroadenoma. Women under 30 years of age with characteristic physical examination and sonographic appearance of the fibroadenoma may be given the option of observation. Generally, fibroadenomas are not felt to be pre-malignant lesions, nor to indicate any increased risk for the development of breast cancer.