(Benign Breast Masses; Breast Cysts; Cystic Disease; Chronic Cystic Mastitis; Mammary Dysplasia)
Definition
Definition
Fibrocystic disease occurs when there are fluid-filled cystic lumps of duct tissue. These lumps are surrounded by a scar-like capsule of tissue in the breasts.
Although harmless, these lumps can sometimes be the site of pain (mastalgia) that recurs late in each menstrual cycle. The greatest problem with fibrocystic disease is telling the difference between this condition and breast cancer.
Breast CystsCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
The glandular tissue of the breasts cycles monthly with menstrual periods. It enlarges to prepare for a pregnancy, and then shrinks if one does not occur. This cycling causes cysts and excess fibrous tissue to build up. Virtually all women will have some form of this condition during their reproductive years. However, most women will not seek treatment.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
All women between puberty and menopause are at risk for this condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms
- Multiple lumps (cysts) will occur in both breasts that cycle with menstrual periods.
- Cysts may produce no symptoms or cause pain and tenderness.
- A fibrocystic lump may be difficult to tell apart from a cancerous mass. But, its rapid disappearance with menses and reappearance in the next menstrual cycle help to distinguish this condition from breast cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include the following:
Treatment
Treatment
Once it has been determined that the lump is not a cancer, it can be left alone. If the lump’s identity is still in doubt, it should be biopsied.
Aspiration
After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, a small needle is inserted into the lump. This is to draw fluid out. If the lump disappears, cancer is highly unlikely. If the lump remains, or if the fluid withdrawn is bloody, it will need to be examined to see if cancer is present.
Biopsy
There are two types of biopsies:
- A fine needle biopsy is nearly identical to an aspiration. The only difference is that a tiny piece of tissue is also drawn out of the lump.
- An excisional biopsy removes the entire lump through a surgical incision. This can be done with local anesthesia if the lump is small and superficial.
Once cancer has been ruled out, fibrocystic disease may be safely treated with observation and conservative measures, including:
- Pain relievers
- Hormone medications for severe cases
- Applying a heating pad
- Wearing a supportive bra
- Changing your diet , such as caffeine avoidance
Prevention
Prevention
There are not current guidelines to prevent fibrocystic disease. The most important issue for you and your doctor is being able to distinguish this condition from breast cancer. Follow your doctor’s guidelines for regular breast cancer screening.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Women’s Health Network http://www.cwhn.ca
References:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq176.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130726T0945559945
Accessed July 26, 2013.
Miltenburg DM, Speights VO Jr. Benign breast disease. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2008;35(2):285-300.
Phyllodes tumor of breast. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated August 1, 2012. Accessed July 26, 2013.
Last Updated: 5/11/2013