Fibrocystic Disease(Benign Breast Masses; Breast Cysts; Cystic Disease; Chronic Cystic Mastitis; Mammary Dysplasia)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionBreasts are made up of ducts, milk glands, and fatty and fibrous tissues. Fibrocystic disease is when there are fluid-filled lumps (cysts) of duct tissue. These lumps are surrounded by a scar-like capsule of tissue in the breasts.
CausesThe glands in the breasts change throughout the monthly cycle. They get bigger to get ready for a pregnancy. They shrink if one does not happen. This cycling causes cysts and fibrous tissue to build up. All women will have some form of this condition during their reproductive years. Most women will not seek medical care. Risk FactorsAll women between puberty and menopause are at risk for this disease. SymptomsThese harmless lumps can sometimes cause pain that happens late in each menstrual cycle. You may have:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Pictures may be taken of your breasts. This can be done with a mammogram. It can be hard to tell the difference between this disease and breast cancer. TreatmentNo treatment is needed unless you have pain. Fibrocystic disease may be safely treated with:
Treatment may also include:
AspirationAfter numbing the area, a small needle is inserted into the cyst. This is to draw fluid out. BiopsyThere are two types:
PreventionFibrocystic disease can’t be prevented. RESOURCES:American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services http://www.womenshealth.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation http://www.cbcf.org Canadian Women's Health Network http://www.cwhn.ca References:Miltenburg DM, Speights VO Jr.
Benign breast disease.
Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2008;35(2):285-300.
Phyllodes tumor of breast. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated June 23, 2014. Accessed July 24, 2018.
Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kathleen A. Barry, MD Last Updated: 7/24/2018 | |
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