Guest Author - A. Maria Hester, M.D.

Breast lumps concern and alarm most women. However, the most common cause of breast lumps in women of childbearing age is a very common, benign condition known as fibrocystic breasts. This condition, sometimes referred to as fibrocystic breast disease, is not really a disease at all. Other than discomfort, its clinical significance is negligible. It is not cancer and does not turn into cancer. And, in most cases, it does not need to be treated at all.

Common signs of fibrocystic breasts

Women with fibrocystic breasts often experience lumpy, sore, or tender breasts, especially before their menstrual cycle. While the changes typically occur on both sides, the symptoms may be felt only on one side.

Why do the breasts develop fibrocystic changes?

Breast tissue responds to the fluctuations in female hormones. You may have noticed that during the course of a month’s time your breasts temporarily swell and then return to their normal size. When hormones stimulate the female breast tissue the milk glands and ducts enlarge and the breasts retain water. This hormonal stimulation is the basis for fibrocystic changes.

How is it diagnosed?

Often, a simple clinical breast exam by a health care provider can detect the presence of fibrocystic breasts. Mammography is another common means by which it is detected. Also, when in doubt of the diagnosis of a breast lump, a breast biopsy may be performed, which can also diagnose this condition (though breast biopsies are not routinely done if a woman has classic physical exam findings and a mammogram showing typical fibrocystic changes).

How is this condition treated?

Most women do not require any specific intervention, though some women have particularly large and painful cysts and opt to have this fluid removed (a minor surgical procedure). Your doctor may also recommend medication, such as birth control pills which impact hormone levels and can help improve symptoms.

What can you do?

If you have fibrocystic breasts there are things you can do to lessen your symptoms.
1. Avoid/limit caffeinated beverages and, unfortunately, chocolate.
2. Wear a good bra with appropriate support.
3. Vitamin E capsules help ease the symptoms in some.
4. Do regular breast exams so you will know how your breasts normally feel. The best time to examine your breasts is about a week after your menstrual cycle. Timing is important because, as noted, your monthly hormone fluctuations temporarily change the architecture of your breasts. Report any new or suspicious findings to your doctor.