Breast fibrocystic disease is defined as pain and palpable lumps affecting one or both breasts. In the word fibrocystic, “fibro” means hard tissue and “cyst” means fluid-filled sac. In other words, there are fluid-filled sacs formed by the mammary glands and ducts in the breast and hardness around them. Fibrocystic disease of the breast; It also has other names such as fibrocystic condition, breast dysplasia, diffuse mastopathy. This condition is very common and affects almost 2 in 3 women. This benign condition is not cancer; In fact, it is no longer considered a disease but a change of the breast. Although it can occur in all age groups, it is most common between the ages of 30-50.
This situation is very variable and sometimes masses and lumps may not be palpable. Pain may be temporary or periodic (premenstrual). Hormones that are effective during the menstrual period also affect the breast tissue, just like in the uterus. With these effects, the breast prepares to give milk, the cells of the mammary glands multiply, blood supply increases, and the glands swell. Physically, swelling, pain and a feeling of heaviness occur in the breast. However, if pregnancy does not occur, these effects return. But the process of losing these unused cells is often problematic and accompanied by inflammation. Swellings and hardness; that is, a fibrocystic condition develops. This cyclical change in the breasts begins with the first menstruation. The effects of these changes accumulate over time, and fibrocystic disease generally becomes evident after the age of 30. This situation decreases after menopause, as menstruation ends. Fibrocystic disease affects both breasts, but sometimes it can be more intense in one breast than the other.
The biggest problem in fibrocystic breasts is that palpable masses can be confused with cancer-related growths. The main method for diagnosing fibrocystic disease is palpable examination. The palpable lumps are generally rubbery in consistency, have a smooth surface like round rosary beads, and are mostly located in the upper outer quarter of the breast (close to the armpit). From time to time, they may have a more irregular surface and be harder. For some people, examination is not sufficient and special imaging methods such as ultrasound and mammography may be required. Even a biopsy may be performed. As a result of the biopsy, changes in the cells can be seen more clearly. Fibrocystic changes in breast tissue as a result of hormone stimulation can be extreme and e cells in the milk ducts may increase excessively. In this condition called hyperplasia, if the appearance of the cells under the microscope is distorted, atypical hyperplasia develops. Risk of developing breast cancer; It increased slightly in case of hyperplasia and moderately in atypical hyperplasia. Which person will require a biopsy varies depending on examination findings and imaging methods. However, all women with fibrocystic changes need to be followed up at regular intervals. The first step in follow-up is for the woman to examine herself every month, 3-5 days after the end of menstrual bleeding. In addition, a doctor's examination and breast imaging examinations appropriate to the individual should be performed at 6-month or yearly intervals.
In the treatment of fibrocystic condition, trying to correct findings such as pain and tenderness is important for the person's quality of life. For this reason, it is very useful to support the breast with a bra and wear a bra at night. Some painkillers significantly reduce breast pain. Partial benefits associated with the use of vitamin E have also been shown. Reducing caffeine consumption (coffee, tea, chocolate) is also sometimes helpful. Fibrocystic disease has a more severe course in some women with severe menstrual irregularities. In these cases, adjusting the hormone irregularity helps the symptoms disappear.
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