Fibrocystic breast changes

Fibrocystic breast changes
Other names	Fibrocystic change, fibrocystic breast disease,[1] fibrocystic breast condition
Benign fibrous breast growths (highlighted in yellow).
Specialty	Gynaecology
Symptoms	Breast pain, breast cysts, breast masses[2]
Usual onset	30 to 50 years old[1]
Risk factors	Early age at first menstrual period, having children late or not having children[2]
Diagnostic method	Periodic examination, possibly medical imaging or breast biopsy[1]
Differential diagnosis	Breast cancer[1]
Treatment	Education about the condition, a well fitting bra, pain medication[1]
Prognosis	Good[1]
Frequency	Up to 60% of women[3]

Fibrocystic breast changes is a condition of the breasts where there may be pain, breast cysts, and breast masses.^[1] The breasts may be described as "lumpy" or "doughy".^[3] Symptoms may worsen during certain parts of the menstrual cycle due to hormonal stimulation.^[1] These are normal breast changes, not associated with cancer.^[2]

Risk factors include an early age at first menstrual period and either having children at a late age or not at all.^[2] It is not a disease but represents normal breast changes.^[3] Diagnosis involves ruling out breast cancer.^[1] Fibrocystic changes include fibroadenomas, fibrosis,papillomas of the breast,^[1] and apocrine-type metaplasia.^[4]

Management may involve education about the condition, using a well fitting bra, and pain medication, if needed.^[1] Occasionally danazol or tamoxifen may be used for pain.^[1] It is estimated that up to 60% of women are affected,^[3] most commonly between the ages of 30 and 50 years.^[1]