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Fibrocystic
Breasts
What are Fibrocystic Breast Changes?
How is it Treated?
Do your breasts ever feel lumpy, thick or tender –
especially right before your period? These symptoms
are called fibrocystic breast changes.
Treatment is needed only if you have symptoms that
bother you. If cysts are large or painful, the fluid inside
them may be removed. This can relieve pain.
Previously called “cyclic breast changes” because they
come and go with your menstrual cycle, experts link
these changes to the accompanying hormonal process.
Some lifestyle changes may also help control
symptoms. Ask your provider about them. They
include:
Fibrocystic breast changes are very common. About half
of all women experience these harmless breast changes.
They are not breast cancer, and do not increase your
chance of getting it. But, having these changes may
make it harder to find a lump that could be cancer.
• Limit caffeine and other methylxanthines (coffee,
tea, colas, and chocolate).
• Limit salt in the week before menstrual period.
• Wear a supportive bra (such as a sports bra) while
sleeping and especially during exercise.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed
• Low -Fat Diet.
• Some vitamins such as A or E have been shown to
be helpful for some women; please consult with
your healthcare provider.
What are the Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms differ among women and with
age, and generally include:
• May have no symptoms.
• Your breasts are swollen.
• They feel tender or painful. Can be described as a
dull or aching pain, heaviness, or soreness.
• Your breasts feel lumpy. Cystic areas feel thick.
• Some lumps remain in the same area, growing and
shrinking toward the end of your menstrual cycle.
• The lumps move if you push on them.
• Symptoms can be on one or both sides, and can
reach up to and under the armpit.
How can it be diagnosed?
Breast Evaluations – Clinical evaluations completed by
your health care provider. These may include:
• A health history and clinical breast examination for
lumps, tenderness, and other signs.
• Mammography (breast X-ray).
• Ultrasound (a test that uses painless sound waves
to create images of your breast tissue).
• Needle aspiration or breast biopsy, if necessary.
Breast self-exam (BSE) – Breast self-exams may help you
with “breast awareness” – becoming familiar with what is
normal for you. If you note any changes during a BSE, see
your healthcare provider for proper diagnosing and early
treatment. Facey’s handout “Breast Self-Examination
(BSE)” covers the steps to complete a BSE. Talk to your
provider about the benefits and limitations of a BSE.
Rev. 9/2015
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications
to help relieve soreness and reduce lumpiness. These
may include:
• Birth control pills to control estrogen and
progesterone hormone levels during your cycle.
• Other hormone pills.
If a lump is found which is not a cyst, the provider may
take a sample or remove it completely. Through a
biopsy, a sample is removed and may be examined to
be sure it is benign.
Caring For Your Breasts
• Become familiar with your breasts by doing a
breast self-exam (BSE). This may help you get to
know what feels “normal” for your breasts.
• Call your healthcare provider if you notice any
changes such as new lumps, changes that feel
different than usual, or experience any nipple
discharge.
• Visit your healthcare provider for regular exams.
And get a clinical breast exam and mammogram,
following your provider’s recommendations.
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NOTE: The content provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice.
Please consult with your healthcare provider for additional information and/or appropriate care.
Copyright © 2015, Facey Medical Foundation