What causes them?Įxperts think that fibrocystic breast changes are linked to the hormone changes that happen during a woman's menstrual cycle. So if you or a close family member has had breast cancer or if you have had radiation treatment or a breast biopsy showing atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), talk to your doctor about how often you need a breast checkup. This is a special concern if you also have a higher-than-normal risk for breast cancer. They aren't cancer, and they don't increase your chance of getting breast cancer.īut having fibrocystic breast changes can make it harder to find a lump that could be cancer. They may also be called cyclic breast changes, because they come and go with your menstrual cycle.įibrocystic breast changes are normal and harmless. These symptoms are called fibrocystic breast changes. Many women have breasts that feel lumpy, thick, and tender, especially right before their periods. While there is no specific treatment for fibrocystic changes, your provider may suggest some self-care measures.Condition Basics What are fibrocystic breast changes? In most cases, symptoms improve or go away after menopause. Women who have heavy, irregular periods often have worse symptoms, and women who take birth control pills may have fewer symptoms. This type of lump moves when you push it with your fingers. A lump that grows and shrinks with your menstrual cycle.Breasts that feel full, swollen, or heavy.Pain that commonly comes and goes with your period, but may last through the whole month.Symptoms of fibrocystic changes can include: Having one or more cysts does not affect the risk of later developing breast cancer. Fluid may sometimes accumulate again, and more aspirations may be necessary. Removing the fluid can reduce the pressure and pain. An ultrasound can confirm the presence of the cyst, and the cyst can often be drained using a technique called fine needle aspiration. A round lump that can be moved and is tender to the touch is often a cyst. These cysts often become larger and more painful just before a woman’s period, as a result of monthly hormonal changes.įrequently a lump found in a woman’s breast is simply a result of fibrocystic changes, and the cysts that have developed. As cysts grow, they can cause pressure and stretching of the surrounding breast tissue, which can be uncomfortable. These cysts can be detected during a self-exam and can grow to several inches in diameter. If fluid continues to build up, larger cysts, or macrocysts, can develop. Fluid builds up inside the glands of the breast, initially forming small cysts, or microcysts, that are detectable only when breast tissue is examined under a microscope. The cysts that characterize fibrocystic breast changes are spaces filled with fluid lined by breast glandular cells. Fibrosis often changes the way that a breast feels to the touch, for example making areas of the breast feel hard or "rubbery." Fibrosis does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer and usually does not require any special treatment. Fibrosis is a fibrous tissue similar to ligaments and to scar tissues. The term "fibrocystic" refers to the fact that both fibrosis and cysts are often present in the breast. Major Spencer, can you tell us more about fibrocystic changes?ĭefinitely, Dr. This condition affects up to 50% of all women at some point, most often during their childbearing years. These changes in the breast tissue usually involve both the glandular and supporting, or stromal, tissues. One fairly common benign breast condition is known as fibrocystic changes.
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