Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
A fibroadenoma itself is almost never an emergency.
Seek emergency care if breast redness or swelling is spreading quickly and you are seriously unwell, confused, faint, or having difficulty breathing.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Ask for more urgent medical assessment if you notice:
Rapid enlargement of a breast lump
New skin dimpling, thickening, or nipple pulling inward
Bloody or clear discharge from one nipple
A new firm lump in the armpit
Breast redness, heat, and swelling, especially with fever
These symptoms could indicate a severe infection or another urgent condition rather than a fibroadenoma.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment soon if you find a new breast or armpit lump.
Also seek review if a known fibroadenoma becomes painful, changes shape, or seems to be getting larger.
These changes often have noncancerous causes, but they should be assessed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fibroadenoma of the breast. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.