Question 1

my doctor told me my breasts might be fibrocystic; is that bad?

Accepted Answer

Very common: Fibrocystic changes are not clearly related to risk of malignancy.  They are usually picked up on biopsy for suspicious findings on mammography.  These findings are benign.  Some women have a tendency to form fibrocystic tissue over time, and this makes breast cancer screening less accurate for them.  I hope this helps you.

Question 2

can having fibrocystic breasts increase your chance of getting cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not a disease: Fibrocystic changes refer to a spectrum of benign variations seen within breast tissue.  It is not a "disease" and in and itself does not significantly impact risk (breast density and nodularity may impact the ability and siensitivity of screening however and mammographic density has been identified as a risk marker).

Question 3

i have fibrocystic disease and at times my breasts really hurt during mammogram. does stopping caffeine help?

Accepted Answer

Fibrocyctic disease: Caffeinated beverages ( coffeee, soda etc) have been shown to have significant correlation with breast tenderness in the case of fibrocyctic disease of the breast. Stopping your caffeine intake, may help reduce/relive the breast pain, in general. In addition, you may want to take  nsaids for pain relief and  also can try cold compress.

Question 4

i have fibrocystic breasts but my gb felt something ages ago that was a mass but it was soft. it has now turned hard is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Get it seen: If there is something that has been felt and may have changed or there is a lump of some sort, it should be examined carefully.  Make sure it is seen by your primary care and consideration should be given to getting a mammogram or other testing done to figure out what the mass or lump is.

Question 5

what is fibrocystic breasts?

Accepted Answer

Lumpy-Bumpy Breasts: Fibrocystic changes are a spectrum of pathologic findings seen on biopsy.  This has morphed into a clinical term for "lumpy-bumpy" breast tissue and/or dense tissue seen on mammography.  This is not a disease, just a variant of normal.  This requires no treatment, just reassurance.

Question 6

do fibrocystic breasts cause new lumps to form?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The breasts go through changes related to hormone levels, stress and caffeine.  The lumps will come and go. It is important to become familiar with your lumpiness and be able to distinguish your normal lump from something that feels abnormal.  Anything abnormal should be discussed with your doctor.

Question 7

how do they do good mammograms if fibrocystic breasts?

Accepted Answer

Improved technology: The technology of mammography machines has improved considerably over the past several years and can differentiate lesions more readily unless the breasts are extremely dense..

Question 8

is it possible that i have fibrocystic breasts due to excess caffeine?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Women's breasts have some lumpiness naturally -- they contain all kinds of glandular, fatty, and connective tissues. Some research shows that eliminating caffeine-containing beverages and foods (such as coffee, tea, cola drinks and large amounts of chocolate) can help fibrocystic breasts. Not all research supports this though.  It could be worth a 4-6 month trial off caffeine, to see it it helps.

Question 9

lumps in breasts am that hurt when pushed on? ... hx fibrocystic breasts..

Accepted Answer

Breast lumps: Breast lumps that are tender with a history of Fibrocystic diseases are likely just that.  Typically they vary in size and degree of tenderness with hormone fluctuations, caffeine intake, etc.  Unusual lumps or persistent tender areas should be checked to be sure.  Also if family history of breast cancer always best to err on side of getting checked.

Question 10

lumps in my breasts. could this possibly be fibrocystic disease or something else?

Accepted Answer

Either: Lumps in your breast can be fibrocystic changes.  Need to get checked to make sure nothing more serious is going on.

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Diffuse fibrosystic breast

A member asked:

My doctor told me my breasts might be fibrocystic; is that bad?

A member asked:

Can having fibrocystic breasts increase your chance of getting cancer?

A member asked:

I have fibrocystic disease and at times my breasts really hurt during mammogram. does stopping caffeine help?

A member asked:

I have fibrocystic breasts but my gb felt something ages ago that was a mass but it was soft. it has now turned hard is that normal?

A member asked:

What is fibrocystic breasts?

A member asked:

Do fibrocystic breasts cause new lumps to form?

A member asked:

How do they do good mammograms if fibrocystic breasts?

A member asked:

Is it possible that i have fibrocystic breasts due to excess caffeine?

A member asked:

Lumps in breasts am that hurt when pushed on? ... hx fibrocystic breasts..

A member asked:

Lumps in my breasts. could this possibly be fibrocystic disease or something else?

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