Fibrocystic Breasts
Breasts that are "fibrocystic" contain more lumps that do "normal" breasts, due to an increased size in the lobules and ducts within the breast. Though sometimes referred to as "fibrocystic breast disease" or "breast lumpiness," lumps in fibrocystic breasts are non-cancerous and are not caused by a disease. Fibrocystic breasts are fairly common, especially among women who have small breasts or are thin.
(Photo credit: Unites States National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health)
Cause
The lumps in fibrocystic breasts are usually non-cancerous cysts (fluid filled sacs). The lumpiness associated with fibrocystic breasts generally changes across time, particularly about a week before a woman's next menstrual period. The changes that are usually noticed by a woman are: pain and swelling of the breasts. These changes are caused by an increase in hormone levels coming before the menstrual period.
Treatment
The pain associated with fibrocystic breasts may be reduced through the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Other recommendations for minimizing pain and swelling are: reducing caffeine intake, reducing salt intake, and taking a Vitamin E supplement. Though these methods have not been clinically proven to help, some women do notice an improvement. Furthermore, there is no risk in trying these methods because they are beneficial to a woman's general health. Also, breast lumpiness declines after menopause, when the concentration of female sex hormones declines.
Breast Exams
Though lumps in fibrocystic breasts are generally non-cancerous, women with fibrocystic breasts do need to give themselves monthly breast self-exams and pay particular attention to lumps that are new or unusual. General lumpiness within the breasts is normal. However, when there is a single lump a doctor should be contacted for a professional evaluation.
All women should give themselves monthly breast self-examinations. One week after a woman's menstrual period is the best time, because hormone levels have declined. It is important for a woman to get to know and understand the general feel of her breasts in order that she will quickly notice something new or different if a change occurs.
Women with fibrocystic breasts should follow the same breast screening routines that are normally recommended. Namely, women over 20 should have their doctor exam their breasts at least once every three years, women over 40 should have their breasts examined annually by a doctor, and women over 50 years of age should be given mammograms yearly.
Reminder
Fibrocystic breasts are common and normal, in fact it is estimated that 60% of women have them (N.Y. Times). Women with fibrocystic breasts do NOT have an elevated risk of breast cancer. Regardless, all women should check their breasts monthly and get to know the general features of their breasts.
References:
Ogar, Dale A. "A Breast 'Disease' That Isn't." (2001). University of California, Berkeley
Wellness Letter, 17(12), 2-3.
"Fibrocystic Breast Disease." The New York Times (Online). http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/fibrocystic-breast-disease/overview.html