Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Fibrocystic breast disease

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Mammary dysplasia; Diffuse cystic mastopathy; Benign breast disease


Treatment

If you have painful breasts, the following may help:

  • Take medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • Use heat or ice on the breast
  • Wear a well-fitting bra

Although some women believe that eating less fat, caffeine, or chocolate helps with their symptoms, there is no good evidence that this helps.

Vitamin E, thiamine, magnesium, and evening primrose oil are not harmful in most cases, but they have not shown any benefit in most studies. Before taking any medication or supplement, be sure to talk with your health care provider.

Most women are not as worried about their symptoms if their breast exam and imaging tests are normal. Remember that most of these symptoms will go away over time.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Fibrocystic breast changes do not increase your risk of breast cancer. Symptoms usually improve after menopause.


Complications

Women who have very lumpy breasts may be more difficult to examine. Mammograms may be harder to interpret. Therefore, early cancer might be more difficult to detect.


Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if:

  • You find any new or different lumps on your breast self exam
  • You have a new discharge from the nipple or any discharge becomes bloody or clear
  • You have any redness or puckering of the skin, or flattening or indentation of the nipple

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)