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Fibrocystic breast disease is a common, benign condition that causes cyclical changes in breast tissue. It does not increase the risk of breast cancer, and treatment is not necessary. Women with the condition may notice breast lumps, nipple discharge, breast tenderness, and a feeling of fullness. Regular breast self-exams and appropriate bra support can help manage symptoms.
Fibrocystic breast disease is a very common condition characterized by cyclical changes in the breast tissue. This condition is completely benign and does not increase the risk of getting breast cancer or developing other medical breast problems. For this reason, some healthcare professionals prefer to refer to it as a fibrocystic breast condition or fibrocystic breast changes, emphasizing the fact that it is not dangerous to the patient. The condition is so common that when doctors identify it in a patient during an unrelated exam, they may neglect to mention it.
More than 50% of women develop fibrocystic breast disease, with the condition being most common between the ages of 20 and 50. Women who use hormonal contraceptives appear to be at lower risk of developing changes, suggesting that hormones produced during the menstrual cycle may be involved in the periodic changes in breast tissue seen among women with this condition.
Women with fibrocystic breast disease may notice breast lumps during a breast self-exam or while wearing a bra. These lumps have a rubbery texture and change shape and move around in the breast over time. This condition is also associated with nipple discharge, breast tenderness, a rough texture to the breasts, and a feeling of fullness in the breasts. Symptoms may wax and wane throughout the month.
Many women with fibrocystic breast disease are diagnosed because they identify a lump in the breast and seek treatment for it. Tests may include a breast exam by a doctor, a biopsy of the suspicious lump, or a mammogram. Mammograms are sometimes inconclusive because breast tissue is so dense that test results can be difficult to read. To be on the safe side, a doctor may recommend testing even if fibrocystic changes are suspected, to confirm that a lump is indeed benign.
This benign condition does not require any treatment. Women who experience difficulties due to changes occurring in their breasts may consider taking hormonal contraceptives to manage their periods, which should reduce symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease. Other treatments include getting a fitted bra to provide support and wearing appropriate bras for activities such as sports to reduce breast strain. It’s also important to conduct regular breast self-exams and learn about the changes that occur in the breast throughout the month, so abnormalities such as a cancerous lump are more likely to be identified early.
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