Fibrocystic Breast Disease

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.