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Fibrocystic disease
Fibrocystic changes in the breast are the most common cause of breast lumps in women aged 40-50, affecting about 40 per cent of women (four in ten). This condition may cause breast pain.
Fibrocystic disease is also called fibroadenosis or benign mammary change.
Fibrocystic changes are caused by the changes in the levels of the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, during the menstrual cycle each month. Hormones cause blood vessels to swell, milk glands and ducts to enlarge and the breast to retain fluid. The breasts may feel swollen, painful, tender and lumpy. After a period the breasts usually return to normal.
However, some areas of the breast may stay firmer than others and cysts may form in blocked or enlarged milk ducts. These areas may feel irregularly shaped and thickened, with a lumpy or ridged-like surface.
Fibrocystic changes may be present in both breasts, often in the upper, outer quarter or the underside. Discomfort may range from a dull ache to extreme sensitivity to the touch to a burning sensation.
Fibrocystic changes usually disappear after the menopause. HRT may make them continue or come back, usually in a milder form.
Fibrocystic changes are caused by the changes in the levels of the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, during the menstrual cycle each month. Hormones cause blood vessels to swell, milk glands and ducts to enlarge and the breast to retain fluid. The breasts may feel swollen, painful, tender and lumpy. After a period the breasts usually return to normal.
However, some areas of the breast may stay firmer than others and cysts may form in blocked or enlarged milk ducts. These areas may feel irregularly shaped and thickened, with a lumpy or ridged-like surface.
Fibrocystic changes may be present in both breasts, often in the upper, outer quarter or the underside. Discomfort may range from a dull ache to extreme sensitivity to the touch to a burning sensation.
Fibrocystic changes usually disappear after the menopause. HRT may make them continue or come back, usually in a milder form.
Treatment of fibrocystic disease
Not all women who have breasts lumps have fibrocystic disease and vice versa. No specific treatment may be necessary. If breast pain is the main symptom, the advice listed on breast pain may be helpful or your doctor may prescribe some medicine.
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