Mammary dysplasia; Diffuse cystic mastopathy; Benign breast disease

Symptoms are usually worse right before the menstrual period, and then improve after the period starts.

You may feel pain or discomfort, usually in both breasts.

• Breast pain commonly comes and goes, but it can last through the whole cycle.
• Your breasts may feel full, swollen, and heavy. You may feel the symptoms near your armpit.

Your breasts may feel thick or lumpy.

• You may notice a lump in the same area that becomes larger before your menstrual cycle, and then shrinks afterward.
• The lumps will move if you push on them and not feel stuck or fixed to anything.

Some women will have discharge from the nipple. If the discharge is clear, red, or bloody, talk to your health care provider right away.

If you have any concerns about your breasts, your health care provider will examine you.

Ask your health care provider how often you should have a screening mammogram. Usually women should have a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40. If there are any worrisome lumps, you might have a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or both.

Images

Fibrocystic breast disease

Female breast

Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery practice specializing in breast cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)