Discovering a lump on your breast can be a terrifying experience.  Thoughts of breast cancer start circulating and you break out in a panic.  Not all lumps or tumors are necessarily cancerous, though.  A common type of noncancerous (benign) tumor is known as a Fibroadenoma.  Even though Fibroadenomas are not life-threatening, they may still require some sort of treatment.  They are most commonly found in young women and tend to shrink or disappear with no treatment.  Usually 1-2 centimeters in size, they don't tend to cause pain; rather, one can feel like a small marble under the skin. 

Because Fibroadenomas are usually painless, one may not notice the small lump until you are showering one day or if you perform an at-home breast self-examination.  While breast cancer can cause nipple discharge, swelling, redness, or breast irritation, Fibroadenomas do not cause any of those symptoms.  Characteristics of Fibroadenomas are listed below:

• Easily moved
• Firm or rubbery
• Round and with smooth borders
• Painless

The exact cause of Fibroadenomas is uncertain, but health professionals believe that hormones such as estrogen may play a role in the development and growth.  Other professionals attribute the development of Fibroadenomas in young women under the age of 20 to oral contraceptives, as they can alter the hormonal balance.  Some other causes are listed below:

• During pregnancy
• Oral contraceptives (taken before age 20)
• Certain foods (such as stimulants)
• Hormonal imbalance

• Since some experts believe that certain stimulants like coffee, soft drinks, tea, or chocolate may lead to the development of Fibroadenomas, it may be beneficial to avoid these foods.  There is no scientific evidence to support the fact that avoiding these foods may decrease breast symptoms, but you may want to experiment if you have food sensitivities.
• Related to diet, it is beneficial to avoid meat, as most commercial meats contain added hormones that can alter the hormonal balance in a woman.  Try switching to a more plant-based lifestyle, where the focus is on organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.
• Iodine deficiency may play a role in Fibroadenoma development.  When the body is low in iodine, breast tissue can become more sensitive to estrogen, thus causing Fibroadenoma growth.  Try eating iodine-rich foods like cranberries, bananas, prunes, green beans, strawberries, or sea vegetables like kelp, dulse, or alaria.
• Since too much estrogen can lead to the growth of Fibroadenomas, it may be beneficial to perform a liver detox to rid the body of excess androgens and estrogens.  You can also take a natural B-vitamin complex supplement because it has antioxidants that work to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce excess androgens in the adrenal glands.
• Some herbs are beneficial for regulating hormones in the body.  Try experimenting with milk thistle, evening primrose oil, false unicorn root, or paeonia to help regulate hormones.
• Stress or sleep deprivation can affect Fibroadenomas in a negative way, which is why it is paramount to keep stress levels down.  To help naturally lower stress, you may want to try participating in stress-relieving techniques such as yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, deep breathing, or acupuncture.  Acupuncture can be especially helpful because it helps to improve circulation and establish healthy chi within the body.

• Parsley
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Plums
• Peaches
• Walnuts
• Alfalfa Sprouts
• Leafy Greens (kale, spinach, chard, or cabbage)
• Broccoli
• Berries (strawberries & blueberries)
• Grapes
• Green Tea
• Sea Vegetables (kelp, dulse, or alaria)
• Bananas
• Green Beans