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Fibrocystic
breast disease is characterized by breast pain, cysts, and noncancerous
lumpiness.
Most women have some general lumpiness in the breasts, usually in the upper outer part, near the armpit. In the United States, about 30% of women have this kind of lumpiness with breast pain and breast cysts—a condition called fibrocystic breast disease.
Normally, the levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. Milk glands and ducts enlarge and breasts retain fluid when levels increase, and the breasts return to normal when levels decrease. (These fluctuations partly explain why breasts are swollen and more sensitive during a particular time of each menstrual cycle.) Fibrocystic changes may result from repeated stimulation by these hormones.
In women with fibrocystic breast disease, the lumpy areas may enlarge, causing a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, tenderness to the touch, or a burning pain. The symptoms tend to subside after menopause. Fibrocystic breast disease may increase the risk of breast cancer very slightly. Also, this condition may make breast cancer more difficult to detect.
Lumps may be removed and a biopsy may be performed. Sometimes cysts are drained, but they tend to recur. No specific treatment is available or required.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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