Breast fibroids, also known as fibroid breasts, mammary dysplasia or fibrocystic breast disease, are non-cancerous, rubbery nodules that result in cyclic pain and swelling in or near the surface of the breasts. Breast fibroids are believed to be caused by hormonal changes that occur during menstruation and the accumulation of fluid in the breast cells. Because some women with fibroid breasts are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, the condition requires evaluation and frequent mammograms.
Significance
Breast fibroids are fairly common, occurring in one-third of women over the age of 30 years. The pain and discomfort associated with fibroid breasts may limit activities and interfere with the quality of life for many women. The cyclic pain caused by breast fibroids can be severe in some cases. Moreover, women with breast fibroids are at an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, which can potentially be fatal. Because of this, breast fibroids are a significant health concern that should be evaluated and treated by a doctor.
Features
Evidence shows that hormones are responsible for the development and growth of breast fibroids in most women. Normal monthly fluctuations in a woman's levels of estrogen and progesterone are the most significant contributors, as these hormones directly affect breast tissue, cell growth and cell multiplication in the breasts. Other hormonal influences include prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation, growth factor, insulin, and thyroid hormone. When hormones are produced in the breasts' fat and glandular cells, the hormones send signals to neighboring cells to trigger growth and cell division. If an error occurs in this process, proper cell growth may be disrupted and breast fibroids may result.
Identification
Breast fibroids cause a number of symptoms, all of which may be worse just before and during menstruation. Symptoms typically become less severe or disappear when menstruation stops. Women with breast fibroids may experience a feeling of heaviness in the breasts, burning sensations, aches or pain, swelling, and sensitivity to touch. The breast tenderness may come and go and there may be changes in sensation or itching in the nipples. Some women may find irregularly shaped, lumpy areas when performing a breast exam. Nipple discharge may also be present. Because nipple discharge can be a sign of cancer or another serious condition, it is important that this symptom be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
Prevention/Solution
Treatment of breast fibroids involves a combination of therapies, including dietary modification, medications and possibly surgery. Dietary changes, such as switching to a low fat diet and avoiding caffeine, are effective for many women. Medicinal therapy involves the use of oral contraceptives to reduce the severity of symptoms caused by the fibroids, and may include the use of synthetic androgens if oral contraceptives are not effective. Surgery is typically a treatment of last resort and involves removing the fibroids from the breast. Women may also benefit from wearing a supportive bra to alleviate discomfort associated with swelling and nipple soreness.
Warning
Breast fibroids may increase the risk of breast cancer for some women. This is because the cells responsible for forming the fibroids do not respond correctly to the signals that control cell division and growth, indicating a genetic error that is also responsible for the development of cancer cells in the breast. This genetic error appears to affect only about 5 percent of women with fibroid breasts, but any woman with breast fibroids should receive regular mammograms and perform monthly self-examinations of the breasts.
Tags: breast fibroids, Breast fibroids, fibroid breasts, breast cancer, with breast
