Fibrocystic breast disease is a common condition of the female breast. It is characterized by nonmalignant lumps and/or pain in the breast. It normally affects women from puberty to around age 50 and often disappears during menopause.
What are the symptoms?
- Multiple lumps may
appear in both breasts
- Lumps may, or may not be,
tender and offer resistance when pressed with the fingertips
- Generalized breast pain, most often just before menstrual periods
- Lumps often enlarge
before menstrual periods and shrink after menstruation.
What preventive measures can I take?
- Avoid smoking and
drinking beverages containing caffeine
- Conduct monthly
self-examinations to check for any lumps or changes
- Visit your doctor at
least once a year for a breast exam.
When to notify your doctor?
- You discover a lump in
your breast or you detect enlargement of a lump that was previously
diagnosed
- You experience nipple
discharge
- You have not had a
breast exam in two years
- New or unexplained symptoms develop.