WHAT IS FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE?

A disorder of the female breast characterized by non-cancerous lumps affecting females from puberty to old age. This affects about 20% of premenopausal women. It usually disappears after menopause unless estrogen-replacement therapy is used.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Lumps in the breasts with the following characteristics:

• Lumps are usually on both sides. Solitary lumps may occur, but multiple lumps are common.
• Lumps offer resistance when pressed with fingertips; they may be tender.
• Lumps may be accompanied by generalized breast pain, especially before menstrual periods.
• Lumps often enlarge before menstrual periods and shrink afterward.
• Lumps come in different sizes. When the lumps are relatively large and near the surface, they can be moved freely within the breast.
• Lumps deep within the breast may be difficult to distinguish from breast cancer.

CAUSES

Unknown, but probably related to estrogen and other hormones produced by the ovaries. This is not inherited.

HOW TO PREVENT

Nothing specific yet available.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

• Classical lumps in the breasts.
• History and examination by a doctor.
• Mammogram.
• Surgical diagnostic procedures such as FNAC² biopsy or cyst aspiration.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Misdiagnosis. Some lumps appear benign, but are cancerous. Diagnostic studies, including biopsy, are often necessary to rule out malignancy.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Women with fibrocystic breast disease continue to have breast lumps that appear and dissolve; some remain permanently. The disorder is presently incurable, but it does not adversely affect a woman's health.

Some cysts can be aspirated under sonography control, causing the lump to disappear. If the lump does not disappear completely after aspiration, it may be cancerous and should be diagnosed by biopsy and microscopic analysis.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

• Examine your breasts carefully each month just prior to or at the onset of menstruation. Report any changes in lumps that have been diagnosed previously.
• Visit your doctor at least every 6 months for a clinical breast examination or other studies, especially if you have a family history of cancer.

MEDICATION

To decrease the size of lumps or inhibit the formation of new lumps, your doctor may prescribe:

• Vitamin E, Vitamin B.
• Hormones.

ACTIVITY

No restrictions.

DIET

No special diet, but avoid smoking, caffeine, chocolate, cola drinks.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, IF

• You have undiagnosed lumps in the breast.
• You detect a change in a lump, or new lumps appear.
• Discharge from nipple starts.
• You have not had a breast examination in 2 years.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop.
• Hormones used in treatment may produce side effects.