Fibrocystic breast disease refers to benign (noncancerous) changes in the tissues of the breast. The term "disease" in this case is misleading, and many health care providers prefer the term "change."
The condition is so common that it is believed to be a variation of normal. It may also be called mammary dysplasia, benign breast disease, and diffuse cystic mastopathy.
Alternative Names
Mammary dysplasia; Benign breast disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause is not completely understood. The changes are believed to be associated with hormones produced by the ovaries because the condition usually subsides with menopause, when ovary function changes. The changes also may vary during the menstrual cycle.
Fibrocystic breast disease is estimated to affect over 60% of all women. It is common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, and rare in women who have gone through menopause. It is less common in women who take birth control pills.
Risk factors include a family history of the condition, a high fat diet, and excess caffeine intake, although these are controversial.
Symptoms
Symptoms may range from mild to severe. They typically peak before each menstrual period and improve immediately afterwards.
Symptoms include:
Dense, irregular and bumpy "cobblestone" consistency in the breast tissue
Usually more noticeable in the outer upper part of the breast
Breast discomfort
Usually in both breasts
May be persistent or it may come and go
Breast feels full
Dull, heavy pain and tenderness
Premenstrual tenderness and swelling
Occasional nipple discharge
Signs and tests
The health care provider will perform a breast exam. A breast exam will reveal breast "masses" that move and change shape.
Lumps in the breasts (3 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
There are many causes for lumps in the breast. These range from normal changes in your body to abnormal breast disease. Breast lumps are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous. See also: Breast lumps and cancer Reviewer: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/17/2007
Breast infection (3 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A breast infection is an infection in the tissue of the breast. Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Training Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/12/2008
Fibroadenoma - breast(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Fibroadenoma of the breast is a benign (noncancerous) tumor. Reviewer: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 12/31/2008
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