Fibroid Cysts - Often confused as breast cancer!

Breast Cysts

Some women with a fibrocystic condition, but not all women, develop cysts in their breasts which are fluid-filled sacs that usually feel smooth, firm, movable and sometimes tender. The tenderness and lump size generally increases the week before the menstrual period and will subside somewhat the week following. Large cysts may feel round and similar to what you feel when you press lightly on the eyeball with a closed eyelid. Simple cysts can be aspirated with a needle and syringe in the physician's office. If the cyst disappears and doesn't come back, surgical removal (biopsy) is usually not necessary. After menopause, this cystic condition becomes less noticeable and often disappears.

Lumps Versus Fibrocystic Changes

Confusion arises because not all women who discover a lump have fibrocystic changes. The breast is naturally a lumpy gland. The lumpy consistency arises from the milk glands, ducts and supervisory ligaments that separate and support them. Fibrous tissue also may be present in the breast and may feel "lumpy" but not represent a real lump. The regular practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) will help a woman become familiar with how her breast tissue normally feels so that she can identify a change. Any changes in how her breast normally feels should be reported to her physician.

Prevention

Reduce the intake of dietary fat and caffeine if you have fibrocystic breast changes.

Signs and tests
Physical examination reveals the presence of mobile (non-anchored) breast "masses". These masses are usually rounded, with smooth borders, and either rubbery or slightly fluctuant (changeable in shape ). Dense tissue may make the beast examination more difficult to interpret.

 Mammography may be difficult to interpret due to dense tissue.

 A biopsy of the breast may be necessary to rule out other disorders.

 Aspiration of the breast with a fine needle is often diagnostic and therapeutic for larger cysts.

Expectations (prognosis)

If dietary changes decrease the symptoms, and are maintained, the benefit most likely will persist. A combination of treatment and use of medications may be necessary to obtain relief for severe cases.

Complications

Because fibrocystic changes may make breast examination and mammography more difficult to interpret, early cancerous lesions maybe occasionally be overlooked.

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