Fibrocystic breast disease

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Female Breast

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

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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.