Medical Centric

FIBROCYSTIC BREASTs

Women's Health / By

FIBROCYSTIC BREASTs

Fibrocystic breast is a noncancerous condition characterized by breast tissue that feels lumpy or rope-like in texture and may be painful at times.

  • Fibrocystic breasts are not dangerous, but they may be uncomfortable for some women.
  • It is estimated that up to 60% of women experience fibrocystic changes at some point in their lives.
  • Premenopausal women between the ages of 30 and 50 are most commonly affected.
  • In the medical community, fibrocystic breasts or fibrocystic breast changes have now replaced fibrocystic breast disease, the term formerly used to refer to this condition. This is because having fibrocystic breasts is not really a disease as breast changes categorized as fibrocystic are considered normal.
  • Fibrocystic breast doesn’t increase the risk of getting cancer, but breast changes associated with this condition can make it more difficult for doctors to identify potentially cancerous lumps during breast exams and on mammograms.

CAUSES

The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but experts suggest a strong association between hormones especially estrogen and breast changes. Breast tissue responds to fluctuating hormone levels during menstrual cycle. This can cause discomfort and areas of lumpy breast tissue that feel sore and swollen.

Fibrocystic breast changes are more bothersome right before the menstrual period and the pain may lessen or clear up once menstrual period begins.

SYMPTOMS

  • Generalized breast pain or tenderness
  • Similar breast changes in both breasts
  • Monthly increase in breast pain or lumpiness related to menstrual period
  • Breast lumps that changes in size with menstrual cycle
  • Swelling
  • Dark brown or green discharge from the nipple

You should see a doctor if:

  • Breast changes persist after period
  • There is a new breast lump or area of thickening
  • You have specific area of continuous or worsening breast pain

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out tests, including:

Reviewing symptoms

  • Clinical breast exam to check for lumps and abnormal areas by visual and manual examination of breasts and the lymph nodes in the lower neck and upper arm.
  • Mammogram
  • Ultrasound
  • Breast biopsy
  • A fine-needle aspiration to see if fluid can be withdrawn from your lump.
TREATMENT

For people experiencing no or mild symptoms, treatment is usually not needed.

Severe pain or large, painful cyst may need to be treated.

Treatment options include:

Medications- over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen to reduce discomfort

Applying a warm compress can also help relieve pain in the breast

Oral contraceptives

Fine-needle aspiration to help drain fluid from the cyst, this help to collapse the cyst and reduce discomfort

Wearing, firm and supportive bra.