Fibrocystic Breast Condition
Fibrocystic Changes
Revising Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
What are fibrocystic breasts?
Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in
one or both breasts. The condition is very common and benign, meaning that
fibrocystic breasts are not malignant (cancerous). Fibrocystic breast
disease (FBD), now referred to as fibrocystic changes or fibrocystic breast condition,
is the most common cause of "lumpy breasts" in women and affects more than 60%
of women. The condition primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50
and tends to become less of a problem after menopause.
The diagnosis of fibrocystic breasts is complicated by the fact that the
condition can vary widely in its severity. In some women, the symptoms of
fibrocystic breast condition can be very mild with minimal breast tenderness or
pain. The symptoms can also be limited in time, usually occurring only
premenstrually. It may not even be possible to feel any lumps when the breasts
are examined by the woman herself or by her doctor. In other women with
fibrocystic breasts, the pain and tenderness are constant, and many lumpy or
nodular areas can be felt throughout both breasts.
Picture of the anatomy of the breast
Is there a difference between fibrocystic breast condition and fibrocystic breast
disease?
No. In the past, fibrocystic breast condition was often called fibrocystic
breast disease. However, it is not a disease, but a condition. Most women tend
to have some lumpiness in their breasts. Therefore, it is now being more
appropriately termed fibrocystic breast condition. The abbreviation is FCC (an
acronym derived from FibroCystic breast Condition).
Other names that have been applied to fibrocystic breast condition include
mammary dysplasia, chronic cystic mastitis, diffuse cystic mastopathy, and
benign breast disease (a term that includes other benign breast disorders,
including infections).
Next: What causes fibrocystic breasts? »
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