FIBROCYSTIC BREAST CHANGES

Fibrocystic breast changes are the most common cause of breast tenderness and breast lumps. Breasts come in all shapes with different textures ranging from smooth to extremely lumpy. Tenderness, enlargement, and lumpiness in the breast are symptoms of fibrocystic changes that women have just before or during their periods. This is caused by changes in the levels of hormones in a women's body. These hormones, know as estrogen and progesterone, are the female hormones that are made by the ovaries during a woman's reproductive years. Drinking beverages and eating foods that contain caffeine and caffeine-like substances may also cause changes in the breast.

Sometimes women with a fibrocystic breast change develop breast cysts. These are fluid-filled sacs that are usually smooth, firm, and movable. Like fibrocystic changes, they might become tender or grow in size just before or during a woman's period.

All women should do a monthly breast self-examination. Doing this will help women detect any changes in their breasts that may signal a problem. The best time for the self-exam is one week after menstruation. Women who are going or have gone through menopause should choose a set date every month to perform the exam.

Usually, a healthcare provider can diagnose fibrocystic changes with a physical exam. To be sure of the diagnosis, the provider may recommend a mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or aspiration of the cyst (removal of fluid). A second exam may be needed in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the woman's menstrual cycle.

To help avoid tender, painful breasts, decrease or eliminate the intake of coffee, tea, chocolate, and soda containing caffeine. Decreasing the amount of salt that is used before or during the period when the breasts are the most sensitive may also limit some of the swelling. Warm soaks or ice packs may help, as well as a good support bra. Over the counter medications (such as aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen) and vitamins (such as vitamin A, B complex, and vitamin E) help to reduce or prevent some women's breast symptoms. If symptoms are severe, consider discussing with your provider the pros and cons of taking prescription drugs.

Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Some cysts can be treated in the provider's office by aspiration. In this procedure, after local anesthesia is given, fluid in the lump is removed with a needle attached to a syringe. If a lump does not disappear completely after aspiration, your provider should reevaluate it. Lumps may get larger or smaller but they will not disappear. There is no known cure for this disorder, but it is not harmful and these lumps rarely develop into breast cancer.

Because lumps can be a symptom of either fibrocystic breast changes or cancer, it is important to see your provider when:

you have not had a breast exam in over 1 year
new lumps appear
an existing lump changes in some way or
other breast symptoms develop, such as dimpling of the skin or discharge from the nipple.

To be safe and smart it is always important to do monthly breast self-exams after your menstrual period, to have a yearly exam by a provider, and get regular screening mammograms as advised by your provider.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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