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.
Is there more than one type of fibrocystic breast
condition?
Yes. When biopsies (samples) of breast tissue are studied under the
microscope, it is possible to identify different types of fibrocystic breast
condition. Some cases of fibrocystic breast condition show little disturbance of the
breast tissue. Other cases involve a large number of cysts, along with fibrous
(scar) tissue, in the breast tissue. Additionally, in some cases of fibrocystic
breast condition, the breast cells do not have a normal appearance.
Cysts and fibrosis: Usually, even when the breast is not stimulated to
produce milk, some secretions are produced by the secretory glandular cells.
These secretions are normally reabsorbed "downstream" in the ducts. However,
when there has been tissue damage and scarring (fibrosis) in the breast, these
secretions may be trapped in the glandular portions of the breasts, thereby
leading to the formation of fluid-filled sacs called cysts. In some areas of the
breasts, there may be excessive fluid secretions due to stimulation by
hormone-like substances. The resulting cysts may remain microscopic or enlarge
until they contain several teaspoons or even tablespoons of fluid. These larger
cysts may be felt as palpable (capable of being detected by touching) breast
lumps. Even microscopic cysts may sometimes be felt as palpable lumps if many
cysts are clustered together and there is a buildup of fibrous (scar) tissue
around the cysts.
Hyperplasia and atypical hyperplasia of breast cells: With repeated
stimulation from normal hormones, and possibly the effects of many of the
hormone-like substances produced in the breast, a few of the epithelial cells
(cells that line the ducts in the breast) may eventually lose some of their
genetic controls, which normally limit their multiplication (cell division).
When this happens, cells may proliferate, leading to an abnormal architectural
pattern of the epithelial cells. This over-proliferation of cells is termed
hyperplasia. Sometimes these proliferating cells begin to appear abnormal and to
look different from one another. They are now described as "atypical." As other
more normal cells continue to cycle, die and break down, these atypical cells
can move in, spread out, and accumulate. This extensive overgrowth and
accumulation of atypical cells is called atypical hyperplasia.
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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