UCSF

Background

While fibroadenomas are common in the general population, affecting 10-20% of women, they are rarely early-onset, multiple, and bilateral.

Case presentation

An 18-year-old woman presented with a 6 year history of multiple, bilateral breast masses without family history of breast disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, Fig. 1) of the breasts showed innumerable, bilateral breast masses ranging in size from 0.5 to 4 cm. Two needle biopsies showed fibroadenoma. Although the patient's family history did not meet National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for genetic testing, it was performed due to the rarity of her presentation. Genetic testing identified a pathogenic mutation in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene.

Conclusions

A germline mutation in PTEN is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and often occurs as part of Cowden Syndrome. This case highlights the importance of genetic testing in patients with unusual presentations of early-onset, bilateral, and multiple (greater than four) fibroadenomas.