| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Fibrocystic breast disease |
| Definition: |
| Fibrocystic breast disease is described as common, benign changes involving the tissues of the breast. The term "disease" in this case is misleading, and many providers prefer the term "change." The condition is so commonly found in normal breasts, it is believed to be a normal variant. Other related terms include "mammary dysplasia," "benign breast disease," and "diffuse cystic mastopathy". |
| Alternative Names: |
| Mammary dysplasia; Benign breast disease |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
The cause is not completely understood, but the changes are believed to be associated with ovarian hormones since the condition usually subsides with menopause, and may vary in consistency during the menstrual cycle. The incidence of it is estimated to be over 60% of all women. It is common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, and rare in postmenopausal women. The incidence is lower in women taking birth control pills. The risk factors may include family history and diet (such as excessive dietary fat, and caffeine intake), although these are controversial. |
Reviewed By: James P. Dolan, M.D., Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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