Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is pretty common among women. In fact, nearly half of the female population experience fibrocystic breast disease at some point in their lives. With that being said, what is fibrocystic breast disease, what causes the condition and what is its treatment? The article below will give you further information regarding this matter.

What is fibrocystic breast disease?

In contrast to normal belief, it is not uncommon at all to experience fibrocystic breast disease. In fact, more than half of the female population have fibrocystic breast disease at some point in their lives. Doctors no longer use the term ‘fibrocystic breast disease’ to refer it but switch to use ‘fibrocystic breasts’ or ‘fibrocystic breast changes’ for it is not a disease but it is just simply the changes made by breast tissue.

Fibrocystic breasts are the term used to indicate the condition in which the tissue or the areas around your breasts get lumpy or show rope-like texture. Doctors refer this condition as nodular or glandular breast tissue.

Symptoms of Fibrocystic Breast Disease

While some women experience no symptoms of fibrocystic breasts, some indeed bear the lumpiness, and tenderness – especially in the upper, outer area of the breasts. Menstruation is most likely the time when the symptoms reveal themselves the most. Simple self-care methods can be taken to ease the effects caused by fibrocystic breast changes.

What causes fibrocystic breast disease?

Changes in hormones released by ovaries are responsible for fibrocystic breast disease. When the ovaries make hormones changes, your breast tissue also changes in response. If you are experiencing fibrocystic breast disease, your breasts can have more significant changes in response to these hormones. This can potentially lead to tender, painful or swelling breast lumps.

Who gets fibrocystic breast disease?

Any woman is at risk of experiencing fibrocystic breast disease, however, the probability is the highest when the female is within 30 to 50 years of age.

Treatments for fibrocystic breast disease

Treatments available for fibrocystic breast disease includes:

Fine-needle aspiration

A small needle will be used to drain the fluid from the cyst. When the doctor decides that you should remove the fluid, it proves that the lump is indeed a breast cyst, and relieving it will make you feel more comfortable.

Surgical excision

The breast cyst normally resolves itself. However, in some rare cases, surgical excision may be required. Once the doctor calls for a surgical excision, it means that the cyst-like lump needs professional help.

Fibrocystic breast disease is a very common disease among women. Thus, women should get a full check-up once or twice a year to make sure that the body is working and functioning properly. If you suspect that you are having fibrocystic breast disease, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to a doctor, or a health care provider for further medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.