Sclerosing Adenosis of the Breast

Sclerosing adenosis is a benign condition that causes abnormal breast tissue changes, which often mimic cancerous changes. Therefore, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to rule out breast cancer.

The latest diagnostic options for breast cancer are available through Tampa General Hospital’s highly acclaimed Breast Cancer Center. Accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), TGH has earned the prestigious “High Performing in Cancer” designation from U.S. News & World Report for 2023-24, which ranks us among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation.

What Is Sclerosing Adenosis?

Sclerosing adenosis is characterized by the formation of hard, scar-like fibrous tissue in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast. Sclerosing lesions cause the lobules to become enlarged and distorted.

Like sclerosing adenosis, radial scars and complex sclerosing lesions are also characterized by hardened breast tissue. However, in the case of radial scars or complex sclerosing lesions, the suspicious areas are usually larger and more closely resemble breast cancer in a mammogram.

Sclerosing Adenosis Causes

Many experts believe the development of sclerosing adenosis may be influenced by hormonal exposures, but the precise causes are not yet well understood. Through extensive research, scientists have identified several risk factors, including:

  • Gender (women are more likely to develop sclerosing adenosis than men)
  • Early-onset menstruation (before age 12)
  • Late-onset menopause (after age 55)
  • Oral contraceptive use
  • Never having a child
  • Giving birth for the first time after age 35
  • Postmenopausal hormone therapy
  • Obesity or excess body weight
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • A sedentary lifestyle

Sclerosing Adenosis Symptoms

In many cases, sclerosing adenosis does not cause noticeable symptoms. However, if situated close enough together, several lobules enlarged by sclerosing lesions may form a small breast lump that can be felt. Rarely, the condition may cause persistent pain that remains confined to one area of the breast and worsens immediately before a menstrual period and improves afterward.

Sclerosing Adenosis Diagnosis

Sclerosing adenosis is often detected when a routine mammogram reveals mineral deposits (calcifications), which can form in sclerosing lesions as well as cancerous breast tumors. To determine whether the calcifications are caused by sclerosing adenosis or breast cancer, a physician will typically order a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of suspicious tissue for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist. This is important because a biopsy is the only conclusive way to confirm or rule out a breast cancer diagnosis.

Several types of biopsies can be performed to diagnose sclerosing adenosis, including:

  • Core biopsy – A physician inserts a hollow-core needle into an area of suspicious breast tissue and removes one or more samples.
  • Stereotactic core biopsy – If an abnormal area is too small to be felt, a physician uses mammogram images captured from several angles to pinpoint the biopsy site, then inserts a hollow needle to obtain the tissue samples.
  • Vacuum-assisted biopsy – After making a small incision, a physician uses imaging guidance to insert a suction device and position it at the targeted site, then activates the suction and collects the tissue samples.

Sclerosing Adenosis Treatment

After breast cancer is ruled out and a diagnosis of sclerosing adenosis is confirmed, no treatment is needed, even if the entire lesion has not been removed. As always, it is important for the patient to be regularly screened for breast cancer in the manner and at the frequency recommended by a physician. It is also important to promptly report any unusual breast changes.

Receive World-Class Care at TGH

TGH’s Breast Cancer Center is home to a renowned team of breast health experts who provide a full spectrum of advanced diagnostic services, including ultrasound-guided breast biopsies and precision imaging. If you would like to learn more about sclerosing adenosis, contact TGH at (800) 844-4554 to request an appointment with a specialist.