Fibrocystic Breast Disease

FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE

(FIBROCYSTIC BREAST CHANGES)

Condition

Fibrocystic breast disease is a common, benign (non-cancerous) condition that includes changes in breast tissue that may cause:

  • lumpiness
  • tenderness
  • swelling
  • discomfort
  • pain

Because it affects at least half of all women, some doctors consider the term "disease" misleading and refer instead to "fibrocystic breast changes." These changes, which may affect one or both breasts, include:

  • fibrosis, an inflammation of fibrous tissues in the breast
  • development of many tiny cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs

Such changes usually start two weeks before your period and go away when your period is over. Symptoms may be mild and only need self care, or they may be severe and require prescription drugs from your doctor. Fibrocystic breast changes occur most often in women 20 to 50 years old. They are much less common in women after menopause and among those taking birth control pills.

Although the condition is not cancer, the lumps or thickening it causes in breast tissue can mimic or mask breast cancer. Also, a small percentage of women with fibrocystic breast disease have the kind of cellular changes that may increase their risk of breast cancer. For that reason, women with this condition should examine their breasts every month and tell their doctor right away about any differences they detect in how their breasts look or feel.

Causes

What causes fibrocystic breast changes is not well understood. However, because symptoms generally occur before a woman's period starts and subside when it's over, the condition is thought to be related to an imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. There also may be a hereditary link; fibrocystic breast changes often occur in women whose mother and grandmother also had the condition.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If

  • You feel an isolated lump in your breast.
  • You notice a significant change in the size, lumpiness or painful areas in your breasts.
  • Your breasts become enlarged, painful and red.

Call Your Doctor During Regular Office Hours If

  • You think you need prescription medicine for your symptoms. Some drugs that may help include hormones, birth control pills and diuretics, which help rid your body of excess fluid.
  • You need instructions on how to do a breast self-examination (BSE).
  • You need an appointment for a mammogram.
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE

  1. Examine your breasts after every period and be alert to any changes that may signal breast cancer.
  2. If you do not have periods, examine your breasts on the same day of every month.
  3. To relieve breast discomfort, take non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or aspirin.
  4. Some women find taking 400 mg of vitamin E daily helps ease symptoms.
  5. Wear a bra that fits well, especially when you exercise.
  6. Lower your salt and fluid intake two weeks before your period. Salt may cause you to retain excess fluid, which can add to your discomfort.
  7. If you find that caffeine and chocolate make your symptoms worse, avoid them for two weeks before your period.
  8. Get a mammogram every year or two if you are age 40 to 49, and every year if you are 50 years old or older. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may want you to begin getting mammograms earlier than age 40.
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For More Information Click on the Links Below

References

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Precis V 1994, 1994, An Update in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Breast Disorders, Page 75.
  • Diagnosis of Diseases of the Breast Basset, Jackson, Johan, Fu, Gold, 1997 Pages 349, 350, 397, 417, 521.
  • Breast Disease for Gynecologists William H. Hindle, 1989, Pages 155, 197.

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Disclaimer:

Peer-Reviewed by the Faculty of the University of Colorado Denver Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional