Fibrocystic Breast Disease- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Many women have some lumpiness in the breasts, usually in the upper outer region of the breast, near the armpit. In the United States, about 30% of women have this kind of lumpiness with breast pain and breast cysts—a condition called fibrocystic breast disease.

Lumps may be removed and a biopsy may be performed. Sometimes cysts are drained, but they tend to recur. No specific treatment is available or required.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease consists of single or multiple lumps (cysts) in the breasts. The cysts are often harmless and are fairly common, but they may be cancerous. Women with fibrocystic disease of the breast are at greater-than-usual risk of getting breast cancer later in life. Also called chronic cystic mastitis.

Causes of Fibrocystic Breast Disease

The exact cause of fibrocystic breast disease is unknown, but is thought to be related to estrogen and other ovarian hormones. Discomfort and pain caused by fibrocystic cysts and breast lumps often worsen just before a woman's menstrual period, and become less painful at the end of the period.

Symptoms of Fibrocystic Breast Disease

• breast pain and discomfort
• a full, heavy sensation in the breasts
• premenstrual breast tenderness, swelling, and pain
• improved symptoms after menstrual period ends
• itchiness or other unusual nipple sensations.

Treatment of Cysts and Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Treatment options for fibrocystic breast disease are limited. While some women report symptom relief by changing their diet to less than 25 percent fat and avoiding caffeine, reports of this treatment's success are largely anecdotal. Moist, hot compresses applied to the breasts provide some relief when symptoms flare up.

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