Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Which women are more likely to develop fibrocystic
breast condition?
Fibrocystic breast condition is said to primarily affect women age 30 and
older. The reason for this is that the condition likely results from a
cumulative process of repeated monthly hormonal cycles and the accumulation of
fluid, cells, and cellular debris within the breast. The process starts with
puberty and continues through menopause. After menopause, fibrocystic breast
condition becomes less of a problem.
Can fibrocystic breast condition affect just one breast?
Not usually. As a rule, fibrocystic breast condition tends to be symmetrical
(bilateral) and affects both breasts. A woman can have more fibrocystic
involvement in one breast than in the other. The less affected breast, however,
often "catches up" over the years, and eventually both breasts become almost
equally fibrocystic.
Why is it important to diagnosis fibrocystic breasts?
The basic problem with fibrocystic breast condition is the threat of breast
cancer. Fibrocystic breast condition is itself benign (non-cancerous) and
exceedingly common. Additionally, breast cancer is a common malignancy in women.
Both conditions, one benign and the other a leading cause of cancer deaths in
women, involve the same organ - the breast, and both can involve the presence of
breast masses.
Fibrocystic lumps in the breast can closely mimic those found in breast
cancer. They can also sometimes make breast cancer difficult to detect.
Therefore, fibrocystic breast condition often makes both the patient and her
physician quite concerned about the possibility of breast cancer. If a woman's
breasts are fibrocystic, diagnostic tests in addition to screening
mammography may be necessary in order
to rule out an underlying breast cancer.
Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance. Infections, tumors, genetic conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions, and wear and tear can cause cysts. Though some cysts may be palpable, others may not produce any symptoms. Treatment depends upon the location and cause of the cyst.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Symptoms include a lump in the breast or underarm area, nipple pain, change in breast size or shape, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge, and breast skin changes. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland comprised largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. The ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The darkened area around the nipple is called the areola. Common medical concerns in regard to the breast include breast lumps, breast cysts, breast cancer, and breast infections.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It's important to be aware of how risk factors such as family history, lifestyle factors, breast conditions, radiation therapy, and hormonal factors may influence your chances of developing breast cancer. Mammography and breast self-examinations are crucial steps in breast cancer prevention.
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