women s health issues
Fibrocystic Changes of the Breast
Introduction
Fibrocystic changes of the breast (formerly called fibrocystic breast disease) include breast pain, cysts, and lumpiness that are not due to cancer. (See also Overview of Breast Disorders and Most women have some general lumpiness in the breasts, usually in the upper outer part, near the armpit. Many women have this kind of lumpiness, Breast Pain , Normally, the levels of the female hormonesestrogenandprogesteronefluctuate during the menstrual cycle. Milk glands and ducts enlarge and breasts retain fluid when levels increase, and the breasts return to normal when levels decrease. (These fluctuations partly explain why breasts are swollen and more sensitive during a particular time of each menstrual cycle.) Fibrocystic changes may result from repeated stimulation by these hormones. The following increase the risk of fibrocystic changes, possibly because they involve longer exposure toestrogen: Starting to menstruate at an early age Having a first baby at age 30 or later Never having a baby Other breast disorders, such as Breast Infection and Breast Abscess , can cause fibrocystic changes. The lumpy areas may enlarge, causing a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, tenderness to the touch, or a burning pain. The symptoms tend to subside after menopause. Fibrocystic changes do not increase the risk of Breast Cancer . 