Fibrocystic Breast Changes

What are fibrocystic breast changes?

Fibrocystic breast changes are the most common cause of breast tenderness and breast lumps. Fibrocystic breast lumps are cysts; that is, fluid-filled sacs surrounded by fibrous tissue. These cysts are not caused by cancer. Fibroadenomas, another common cause of breast lumps, are solid lumps of fibrous tissue. They are not caused by cancer either.

How does it occur?

The cause of fibrocystic breast changes is not known. Estrogen and other hormones produced by the ovaries may play a role. Drinking beverages and eating foods that contain caffeine and caffeinelike substances (methylxanthines) may also contribute to breast changes.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are tenderness, enlargement, and lumpiness in the breast, especially just before or during your menstrual period.

How is it diagnosed?

Usually, your health care provider can diagnose fibrocystic changes with a physical exam. To be sure of the diagnosis, your provider may recommend that you get a mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or aspiration of the cyst (removal of fluid). Or your provider may ask that you simply return for another exam in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.

How is it treated?

There is no way known for getting rid of the breast changes, but there are a number of things you can do to try to relieve discomfort.

• Drink less coffee, tea, and soda containing caffeine. Also try avoiding chocolate.
• Decreasing the amount of salt in your diet before or during your period, when the breasts are the most sensitive, may also limit some of the swelling.
• Evening primrose oil, available at health food stores, and vitamins such as vitamin A, B complex, and vitamin E may help reduce symptoms.
• Nonprescription drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin may be helpful for pain.
• Wear a well-fitting bra for support, especially when you are physically active.
• Warm soaks or ice packs may help to reduce or prevent symptoms.
• If your symptoms are severe, you may want to discuss with your provider the pros and cons of prescription drugs such as hormones, bromocriptine, danazol, diuretics, or tamoxifen.

Some cysts can be treated in the provider's office by aspiration. In this procedure, after local anesthesia, fluid in the lump is removed with a needle attached to a syringe. If a lump does not disappear completely after aspiration, it should be looked at again by your provider.

How long will the effects last?

The lumps may get larger or smaller over time. They may go away or become less noticeable after menopause. There is no known cure for these breast changes, but they are not harmful and rarely develop into breast cancer.

How can I take care of myself?

Always do monthly breast self-exams after your menstrual period, have a yearly exam by a health care provider, and get regular screening mammograms as advised by your provider.

Because lumps can be a symptom of either fibrocystic breast changes or cancer, it is important to see your health care provider when:

• You haven't had a breast exam in over 1 year.
• New lumps appear.
• An existing lump changes in some way.
• Other breast symptoms develop, such as dimpling of the skin or discharge from the nipple.

How can I prevent fibrocystic breast changes?

To prevent fibrocystic breast changes, some providers advise avoiding food and beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate.