To rule out other conditions, a mammogram, breast biopsy or aspiration of the cyst with a small needle is used. The lumps typically are round with smooth borders and are rubbery or changeable in shape. Having fibrocystic breasts is not a risk factor for breast cancer, but patients should be examined to rule out the disease. In some women, fibrosis (scar-like connective tissue) forms, making exams difficult. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the breasts – these are typically the “lumps” felt by women. Others complain of sensation changes or itching in the nipple area. Some women experience premenstrual tenderness and swelling that improves after the menstrual period. Others say their breasts feel “full” or dull, heavy and tender. Patients complain of discomfort that can be constant or occur off and on. Women may experience dense, irregular and bumpy consistency in the breasts, and it usually is worse in the upper, outer portion of the breasts. After menopause, most women no longer experience the symptoms. The condition is hormone related – which is why the symptoms come and go around the menstrual period. The use of the term “disease” is a bit misleading, since many physicians believe that it is a common, noncancerous breast condition that affects many women, and it is considered a somewhat normal variant.
This is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50 and seems to run in families.
It is estimated that more than 60 percent of all women have benign (noncancerous) lumps in their breasts.
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