Fibrocystic Breasts

Fibrocystic breast disease, commonly called fibrocystic breasts or fibrocystic change, is a benign (noncancerous) condition in which a woman has painful lumps in her breasts. Fibrocystic breast disease isn?t dangerous, but it can be a bothersome condition because it can cause discomfort. The condition is common. Your doctor may not even refer to it as a ?disease.? Although it isn?t dangerous to have fibrocystic breasts, this condition can make the detection of breast cancer more challenging.

Treatment options for breast cysts include: ? Fine-needle aspiration. Your doctor uses a hair-thin needle to drain the fluid from the cyst. Removing fluid confirms that the lump is a breast cyst and, in effect, removes it, relieving associated discomfort. ? Surgical excision. Rarely, surgery may be needed to remove a persistent cyst-like lump that doesn't resolve after repeated aspiration and careful monitoring. Examples of treatment options for breast pain include: ? Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or prescription medication. ? Oral contraceptives, which lower the levels of cycle-related hormones linked to fibrocystic breast changes.

Epidemiology: Breast infections occur in as many as 10%-33% of lactating women. Lactational mastitis is seen in approximately 2%-3% of lactating women,and breast abscess may develop in 5%-11% of women with mastitis.