Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Fibrocystic breast disease is described as common, benign (non-cancerous) changes in the tissues of the breast. He writes: "Muriel came into my office at age 50 with multiple scars on both breasts from seven different excision biopsies, all of which found dense fibrocystic breasts. Others argue that fibrocystic breast changes are a precursor for future breast cancer . However, fibrocystic breast condition can sometimes make it more difficult to detect a hidden breast cancer with standard examination and imaging techniques. The diagnosis of fibrocystic breasts is complicated by the fact that the condition can vary widely in its severity She performed breast self-exams routinely and the finding of each new lump aroused fear and trepidation because of her cysts The condition is so commonly found in normal breasts, it is believed to be a normal variant. Fibrocystic breast disease is common and usually benign condition 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 1975 a diagnosis of breast cancer usually meant radical mastectomy removal of the entire breast along with underarm lymph nodes and skin and muscles underneath the breast. Her fibrocysts disappeared within six months, her sense of energy and libido returned, her hypoglycemic episodes became a thing of the past, and her tennis game improved. Further , serial density (BMD) tests over the subsequent ten years remained good, and her cancer anxiety faded away with the improvement in her breasts
Also called fibrocystic condition, fibrocystic change or cystic mastitis, fibrocystic breast disease is more a characteristic of the breast than a disease. In addition, she suffered from reactive hypoglycemia. The degree to which women experience these symptoms varies significantly. Some women with fibrocystic breasts only experience mild breast pain and may not be able to feel any breast lumps when performing breast self-exams . The symptoms can also be limited in time, usually occurring only premenstrually. If the lump is not filled with fluid, it is called a fibroadenoma related terms include "mammary dysplasia," "benign breast disease," and "diffuse cystic mastopathy." However, all breasts lumps must be investigated to rule out breast cancer and/or to begin immediate treatment if breast cancer is diagnosed.Other related terms include "mammary dysplasia," "benign breast disease," and "diffuse cystic mastopathy." Other related terms include "mammary dysplasia," "benign breast disease," and "diffuse cystic mastopathy."
Causes of Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Tne common causes of Fibrocystic Breast Disease :-
- The risk factors may include family history and diet (such as excessive dietary fat , and caffeine intake), although these are controversial.
- Prolactin, growth factor, insulin , and thyroid hormone are some of the other major hormones that are produced outside of the breast tissue, yet act in important ways on the breast.
- Women with fibrocystic breasts often have bilateral cyclic breast pain or tenderness that coincides with their menstrual cycles
- Small ducts conduct the milk to a reservoir that lies just beneath your nipple.
- The incidence is lower in women taking birth control pills.
- As hormone levels rise just before and during menstruation, mammary blood vessels swell, ducts and alveoli expand, and cell growth proliferates.
Symptoms of Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Some are common Symptoms of Fibrocystic Breast Disease :-
- Breast discomfort that is persistent, or that occurs off and on (intermittent)
- an intermittent or persistent sense of breast engorgement, associated with dull, heavy pain and tenderness
- Premenstrual tenderness and swelling
- formation of persistent cysts or lumps
- fibrosis (formation of scar-like connective tissue)
- A dense, irregular and bumpy "cobblestone" consistency in the breast tissue
- lumpiness
- Dull, heavy pain and tenderness
- Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
- These tiny deposits of calcium can appear anywhere in your breast and often show up on a mammogram.
Treatment of Fibrocystic Breast Disease
- The effectiveness of Vitamin E, Vitamin B-6, and herbal preparations, such as evening primrose oil are somewhat controversial
- Self care may include restricting dietary fat to approximately 25% of the total daily calorie intake, and eliminating caffeine.
- wear a firm bra that gives very good support for severe breast pain
- eliminate excessive dietary fat and limit salt intake
- A synthetic androgen may be prescribed by a doctor in severe cases, when the potential benefit is thought to outweigh the potential adverse effects
- . Most women will have surgery and an additional (adjuvant) therapy such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
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