Fibrocystic Disease

Fibrocystic Disease

Fibrocystic disease is a term used to identify benign changes that occur in a woman's breasts. This common condition affects roughly 60 percent of women. Doctors use the term "fibrocystic breast changes" more so than "fibrocystic disease." Although the cause of fibrocystic disease or the conditions relating to it is relatively uncertain, diagnosis and treatment is important to monitor the breasts for potentially more serious illnesses.

Identification

Fibrocystic disease causes a woman's breasts to feel ropy, bumpy or lumpy. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are prime candidates for fibrocystic disease. Conditions relating to fibrocystic disease are also called mammary dysplasia, benign breast disease, and diffuse cystic mastopathy. Rarely does fibrocystic disease affect women during menopause, and it's less likely to occur in women who take birth control pills.

Causes

The cause of fibrocystic disease may result from reproductive hormonal changes in estrogen levels that occur in a woman's ovaries that stop functioning when she reaches menopause. Although direct causes are unknown, fibrocystic disease generally develops as the result of cysts (sacs filled with fluid), fibrosis (fibrous tissue that has been scarred), hyperplasia (excess cell growth occurring in the milk ducts or tissues) and adenosis (enlarged breast lobules).

Symptoms

Symptoms of fibrocystic disease typically flare up right before a woman's menstrual period and get better when the flow stops. Symptoms can be very minor to severe, depending on the condition. For example, upper breast tissue can feel lumpy and uncomfortable, and one breast may be shaped differently than the other. Common symptoms include discomfort, fullness, heaviness, swelling, pain and tenderness in one or both breasts. Some women may also experience a non-bloody discharge in one or both nipples.

Diagnosis

A doctor may perform a manual breast exam to feel for rubbery-type masses that move around and sometimes change shape. Breast ultrasounds are used to identify the presence of cysts, and aspiration is sometimes used to diagnose larger cysts. Biopsies may be necessary to rule out other, more serious, problems. Mammograms are rarely used to diagnose fibrocystic disease because dense breast tissue may stand in the way from an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

Doctors perform a fine-needle aspiration to drain fluid from large cysts to relieve discomfort. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a cyst that keeps growing back. Some women are prescribed birth control pills to lower estrogen or other hormone levels. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are used to relieve normal pain. Doctors prescribe Danazol, a male sex hormone, or Tamoxifen for more severe breast pain.

Risks

Women with fibrocystic disease may have family members with a similar condition. Eating a diet high in fats and consuming lots of caffeine may also be a risk factor. A woman who has fibrocystic disease isn't necessarily at risk for developing breast cancer, unless atypical hyperplasia (abnormal cells in the breast lobules and ducts) is present.

Lifestyle Remedies

Women are encouraged to eat a low-fat diet, limit caffeine consumption, perform monthly breast exams at home, and wear a bra that fits well to provide optimal support.

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