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Female Breast
Female Breast
Fibrocystic breast disease
Fibrocystic breast disease
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Fibrocystic breast disease

Alternative Names:
Mammary dysplasia; Benign breast disease

Symptoms:
  • A dense, irregular and bumpy "cobblestone" consistency in the breast tissue
  • Usually more marked in the outer upper quadrants
  • Breast discomfort that is persistent, or that occurs off and on (intermittent)
  • Breast(s) feel full
  • Dull, heavy pain and tenderness
  • Premenstrual tenderness and swelling
  • Breast discomfort improves after each menstrual period
  • Nipple sensation changes, itching

Note: Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically peak just before each menstrual period, and improve immediately after the menstrual period.



Signs and tests:

Physical examination reveals the presence of mobile (non-anchored) breast "masses". These masses are usually rounded, with smooth borders, and either rubbery or slightly fluctuant (changeable in shape). Dense tissue may make the breast examination more difficult to interpret.

  • Mammography may be difficult to interpret due to dense tissue.
  • A biopsy of the breast may be necessary to rule out other disorders.
  • Aspiration of the breast with a fine needle is often diagnostic and therapeutic for larger cysts.


Review Date: 1/31/2002
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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