Fibrocystic Breasts

<strong>Fibrocystic</strong> <strong>Breasts</strong><br />

<strong>Fibrocystic</strong> changes are the most common cause of breast lumps in women from 30 to 50 years of age.<br />

<strong>Fibrocystic</strong> changes may also be called fibrocystic disease, cystic disease, or chronic cystic mastitis.<br />

<strong>Fibrocystic</strong> changes are not cancer.<br />

Diagnosing <strong>Fibrocystic</strong> Changes<br />

<strong>Fibrocystic</strong> changes may be found by physical examination, mammography or ultrasound. <strong>Fibrocystic</strong><br />

changes may also be diagnosed with a breast biopsy. Very few women who have a breast biopsy for a<br />

fibrocystic condition have the type of change that would be considered a risk factor for breast cancer.<br />

Cause of <strong>Fibrocystic</strong> Changes<br />

<strong>Fibrocystic</strong> changes are related to the way breast tissue responds to the female hormones, estrogen and<br />

progesterone.<br />

<strong>Fibrocystic</strong> Changes<br />

<strong>Fibrocystic</strong> changes are most often found in both breasts and commonly found in the upper outer part of<br />

the breast and the underside of the breast. When the breast tissue is stimulated by the hormones<br />

during the menstrual cycle, swelling occurs in the blood vessels of the breast. The milk glands and milk<br />

ducts become larger and the breasts retain fluid. The breasts may feel swollen, tender and lumpy. Som<br />

women may have tenderness while others may have severe pain. Each month after a woman has her<br />

r period, the swelling in the breast decreases and the breasts feel less tender and lumpy.<br />

After repeated stimulation by the hormones, the breast may have an increase in firmness. Pockets of fluid<br />

called “cysts” may form in the milk ducts. After menopause, the breasts may be less sensitive. However,<br />

fibrocystic changes may continue for women who choose hormone replacement.<br />

Cysts<br />

Cysts are fluid filled pockets in the breast. Large cysts usually feel firm, smooth, moveable and tender.<br />

Smaller cysts may feel like tiny beads in the breast. The tenderness and the size of the cysts usually<br />

increase the week before the menstrual period and decrease the week after the menstrual period. Simple<br />

cysts can be drained with a syringe and needle in a doctor’s office. Surgical removal (biopsy) is usually<br />

not necessary.<br />

Lumps versus <strong>Fibrocystic</strong> Changes<br />

Not all women who have breast lumps have fibrocystic changes. The normal structures of the breasts,<br />

the milk glands, the ducts and the fibrous tissue make the breasts feel lumpy. By doing Breast Self<br />

Examination (BSE) each month, a woman will learn what is normal for her. When she feels a change,<br />

(Cont. on Back)<br />

Accredited by Accreditation<br />

Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.

---

she will know to consult her health care provider who may recommend a mammogram or an ultrasound of the<br />

breast.<br />

Treatment of <strong>Fibrocystic</strong> Condition<br />

Women who have painful breasts may find some relief with local heat application and a good support bra.<br />

Avoiding food and drink that contain caffeine may relieve symptoms. A health care provider may recommend<br />

aspirin or other pain relievers. Some lumps may need to be removed surgically. This is the type of lump that<br />

fails to disappear after observation and attempts by a doctor to remove fluid.<br />

(Source: American Cancer Society [http://www.cancer.org] & printed with their permission)<br />

Rev. 07/09