Symptoms of Fibrocystic Breasts
- cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
- fibrosis (scar-like connective tissue)
- lumpiness
- areas of thickening
- tenderness
- pain
Fibrocystic breast lumps tend to be smooth, rounded, and mobile (not attached to other breast tissue), though some fibrocystic tissue may have a thickened, irregular feel. The lumps or irregularities associated with fibrocystic breasts are often tender to touch and may increase or decrease in size during the menstrual cycle.
Fibrocystic breasts: Fibrocystic breast condition is a common, non-cancerous condition that affects more than 50% of women at some point in their lives. In fact, the condition is so common that many physicians refrain from using the term "fibrocystic" and simply tell their patients that their breasts are lumpier than average but are still normal.
The most common signs of fibrocystic breasts include: lumpiness, tenderness, cysts, areas of thickening, fibrosis, and breast pain. Having fibrocystic breasts, in and of itself, is not a risk factor for breast cancer. However, fibrocystic breast condition can sometimes make it more difficult to detect a hidden breast cancer with standard examination and imaging techniques. Therefore, it is important that women with fibrocystic breasts practice monthly breast self-exams, receive regular clinical breast exams, and have yearly screening mammograms (the latter beginning at age 40).