Fibrocystic breast changes
Fibrocystic breast changes is a condition of the breasts where there may be pain, breast cysts, and breast masses. The breasts may be described as "lumpy" or "doughy". Symptoms may worsen during certain parts of the menstrual cycle due to hormonal stimulation. These are normal breast changes, not associated with cancer.
| Fibrocystic breast changes | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Fibrocystic change, fibrocystic breast disease, fibrocystic breast condition |
| Benign fibrous breast growths (highlighted in yellow). | |
| Specialty | Gynaecology |
| Symptoms | Breast pain, breast cysts, breast masses |
| Usual onset | 30 to 50 years old |
| Risk factors | Early age at first menstrual period, having children late or not having children |
| Diagnostic method | Periodic examination, possibly medical imaging or breast biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Breast cancer |
| Treatment | Education about the condition, a well fitting bra, pain medication |
| Prognosis | Good |
| Frequency | Up to 60% of women |
Risk factors include an early age at first menstrual period and either having children at a late age or not at all. It is not a disease but represents normal breast changes. Diagnosis involves ruling out breast cancer. Fibrocystic changes include fibroadenomas, fibrosis,papillomas of the breast, and apocrine-type metaplasia.
Management may involve education about the condition, using a well fitting bra, and pain medication, if needed. Occasionally danazol or tamoxifen may be used for pain. It is estimated that up to 60% of women are affected, most commonly between the ages of 30 and 50 years.