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Fibroid Cysts - Often confused as breast cancer!

© Bobbi Jones

Fibrocystic changes are the most common cause of breast lumps in women ages 30 to 50. Although fibrocystic changes may also be referred to as fibrocystic disease, this is not a disease, but a condition. It can be known as cystic disease, chronic cystic mastitis or mammary dysphasia. This condition is not cancerous. At least 60% of the women in their reproductive years have "lumpy" breasts as a result of these non-cancerous conditions.

Alternative names
chronic cystic mastitis; mammary dysplasia; benign breast disease

Diagnosing Fibrocystic Changes

Usually, fibrocystic changes can be diagnosed by physical examination or mammography, an x-ray of the breast. Fibrocystic changes also may be found with a biopsy. Fortunately, only about 5% of fibrocystic conditions have the type of changes that would be considered a risk factor of developing breast cancer.

Causes For Fibrocystic Changes

The cause of fibrocystic changes is related to the way breast tissue responds to monthly changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, female hormones produced by the ovaries during a woman's reproductive years. Each month during one's menstrual cycle, the breast tissue alternately swells and returns to normal. Hormonal stimulation of the breast tissue causes the milk glands and ducts to enlarge, and the breasts to retain water. The breasts frequently feel swollen, painful, tender, and lumpy at this time. After menstruation, swelling in the breast usually decreases, and the breasts feel less tender and lumpy. That's why the best time to examine the breast is 7-10 days after the start of the menstrual period, when the breast tissue is at its most normal state.

Fibrocystic Changes

As a result of repeated hormone stimulation, there is an increase in firmness of the tissue, and packets of fluid called cysts may form in obstructed or enlarged milk ducts. The breast tissue may feel like an irregularly shaped area of thicker tissue with a lumpy or ridge-like surface. Fibrocystic tissue may also feel like tiny beads scattered throughout the breasts. Generally, fibrocystic changes are found in both breasts and most frequently are found in the upper outer quadrant and the underside of the breast where a ridge may sometimes be felt. Premenopausal women with a fibrocystic condition may experience an increase in size of the lumpy areas in the breast, as well as discomfort ranging from a feeling of fullness or heaviness to a dull ache, extreme sensitivity to touch, or a burning sensation. For some women, the pain is so severe that it precludes exercise or even lying on the abdomen. The condition tends to subside after menopause (change of life).

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