The male breast is as susceptible to infections, inflammations, and malignancies as the female breast. Fibroadenoma is a common benign condition that occurs when a lump in the breast forms from a combination of glandular and fibrous tissues. The lump easily moves beneath the skin and feels smooth and firm to the touch. This type of lump is typically painless, but at times it may be uncomfortable or tender.
Cryoablation, laser ablation, and radiofrequency ablation are minor procedures performed on an out-patient basis, either in the surgeon’s office or a clinic, and take less than an hour for completion. These procedures are performed using a local anesthetic and a sedative. This means that you will be awake but not feeling any pain. There is little to no scarring involved in any of the procedures, and there is a short recovery period. You will need to keep the incision site clean and bandaged while it heals. If your surgeon does not use dissolvable sutures, you will need to have the non-dissolvable sutures removed during a follow-up office visit.
Fibroadenoma Removal Procedures
Cryoablation: After you are sedated, the surgeon makes a small incision in the area of the breast lump. An ultrasound probe is inserted through the incision to guide the surgeon to the lump. Medical gas is injected into the breast tissue to freeze and destroy the lump cells. After the lump is frozen, the probe is removed, and the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. The frozen tissue will eventually be broken down and eliminated by the body.
Laser Ablation: After you are sedated, and your breast is numbed, the surgeon will use an ultrasound-guided laser to isolate and eliminate the fibroadenoma. This procedure does not require any sutures, and there is no change in the shape of your breast. There will be a very small scar at the procedure site.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Once you have been prepared for this procedure, the surgeon uses an ultrasound-guided instrument to isolate the fibroadenoma. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the area over the lump where a surgical wand is inserted. The wand has a medical knife at the tip that is heated by a current of radiofrequency to minimize bleeding as the knife cuts through the breast tissue to reach the lump. Once the fibroadenoma is reached, small wires and robotic arms are used to grab the lump and remove it. The instruments are removed, and the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.
