What is fibrocystic breast disease?
Fibrocystic breast disease is a name sometimes used to describe natural breast tissue that feels lumpy. However, this normal breast texture isn’t a disease. Fibrous tissue and fluid-filled breast cysts can cause lumpy breasts, but they aren’t breast cancer and aren’t usually a concern.
As many as half of all women have fibrocystic breasts. This type of breast tissue can be cyclical, which means you may notice an increase in lumpiness the week before your period. Some people have no other symptoms, while others may have breast pain or tenderness accompanying their cycle.
Fibrocystic breast disease symptoms
The main symptom of fibrocystic breasts is a lumpy feeling in both breasts. Some people describe it as having a rope-like texture. These lumpy cysts may get bigger or smaller as you go through your monthly cycle. A breast lump caused by fibrocystic breast symptoms usually moves around when you push on it.
Along with lumpy breasts, you may have other symptoms, especially before your period, such as:
- Breast pain, tenderness or discomfort
- A feeling of fullness or swelling in the breasts
- Discomfort that extends to the outer part of the breasts or under the arms
When to see a doctor for fibrocystic breast changes
If you have lumpy breasts, you can take control of your health by being familiar with the natural texture and monthly cycle of your breast tissue. That way, you’ll know what’s normal for you and when you have changes that a doctor should check.
Some signs you may need to see a doctor include:
- A distinct, firm lump that persists
- Changes in your breasts that are painless, ongoing or continue after your period
- Ongoing breast pain in a specific area of the breast
- Nipple changes or discharge
- Redness or changes in the skin on your breasts
Causes and risk factors of lumpy breasts
Fibrocystic breast changes are common, but all the causes aren’t fully understood. There appears to be a connection between lumpy breasts and hormonal changes. Most people with fibrocystic breast changes are in their 30s and 40s, and it’s less common after menopause. Other potential causes of lumpy breasts include genetic factors and lifestyle factors.
You may be more likely to have lumpy breasts due to:
- Factors that affect your natural hormones, such as starting your period at an early age, having your first pregnancy after 30 or never being pregnant
- Genetics or a family history of benign breast conditions
- Lifestyle factors, such as drinking alcohol
Diagnosing fibrocystic breast changes
Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose fibrocystic breast changes with a routine breast exam. However, if you have areas of concern, there are additional options to give your doctor more information about lumpy breast pain or changes to your breast tissue. Symptoms such as a firm breast lump or changes that don’t feel like normal fibrocystic breast tissue should be evaluated by your doctor to decide if you need a mammogram, ultrasound or other testing. Here's what to expect if your doctor recommends one of these additional tests.
Fibrocystic breast disease treatments
Because most fibrocystic breast changes are expected, simple lifestyle changes or home remedies will help you feel better. But when fibrocystic changes include bothersome pain or severe symptoms, you should consider talking with your doctor about additional care. You have options for fibrocystic breast tissue treatments to help reduce ongoing pain, discomfort or cysts that won’t resolve. These treatment options typically include lifestyle and home remedies, medications and supplements, and very rarely, surgery.
Our breast imaging centers near you
We offer several locations for your care, including numerous clinics and centers in North and Central Texas specializing in breast health conditions like fibrocystic changes. Find an imaging center near you.
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