Fibrocystic breast disease

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Female Breast

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Fibrocystic breast disease

Alternative Names:

Mammary dysplasia; Benign breast disease

Symptoms:

A dense, irregular and bumpy "cobblestone" consistency in the breast tissue
Usually more marked in the outer upper quadrants
Breast discomfort that is persistent, or that occurs off and on (intermittent)
Breast(s) feel full
Dull, heavy pain and tenderness
Premenstrual tenderness and swelling
Breast discomfort improves after each menstrual period
Nipple sensation changes, itching

Note: Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically peak just before each menstrual period, and improve immediately after the menstrual period.

Signs and tests:

Physical examination reveals the presence of mobile (non-anchored) breast "masses." These masses are usually rounded, with smooth borders, and either rubbery or slightly changeable in shape. Dense tissue may make the breast examination more difficult to interpret.

Mammography may be difficult to interpret due to dense tissue.
A biopsy of the breast may be necessary to rule out other disorders.
Aspiration of the breast with a fine needle can often diagnose and treat larger cysts.

Review Date: 5/15/2006
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMedHealthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.