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Many women have been told they have Fibrocystic Breast Disease, but few of us understand what that means. Fibrocystic Breast Disease (usually abbreviated FCB) is the most common disorder of the breast. Most cases are in women 30-50 years old and are thought to be caused in part by estrogen. That’s why FCB is not as common in post-menopausal women-they have lower levels of estrogen. FCB may produce a lump in the breast that is discovered by accident, but often there is pain or tenderness in the breast that sends women to the doctor. Usually, a woman with FCB will have multiple lumps in both breasts that rapidly fluctuate in size with her menstrual cycle. Because the lumps caused by FCB are frequently indistinguishable from breast cancer on exam, suspicious lumps should be biopsied. Usually this can be accomplished with a small needle inserted into the cyst to remove material for testing. A breast ultrasound is also helpful in differentiating a solid cancerous mass from a cyst like those caused by FCB. Once a diagnosis of FCB has been made, there are several easy ways to reduce the breast pain until the cysts shrink.

Avoid trauma to the breasts and wear a supportive bra night and day.
Decrease consumption of caffeine as caffeine is thought to stimulate cyst development. This means coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate and many headache medications. Read labels!
Some women have reported relief of symptoms with vitamin E and/or Evening Primrose oil.
Discuss hormone treatments with your doctor. You may benefit from small doses of progesterone to keep your estrogen levels in check. Periodic monitoring of blood levels is necessary to ensure you still have enough of your own estrogen to protect your heart and bones while decreasing your breast pain.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease is a benign condition that usually doesn’t cause complications in your everyday life. However, if you have been diagnosed with FCB, you have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is because many women with FCB are so used to finding lumps they are no longer concerned about them, and often will ignore the lump instead of having it checked out. Not all lumps are benign. Be sure to examine your breasts monthly and have a clinical breast exam and mammogram yearly. Symptoms should subside as you enter menopause and regular monitoring will make sure any more serious problems are caught early enough to treat.

November 2008

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

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