Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Fibrocystic changes in the breast refer to a variety of irregularities in the breast tissue. These changes are benign, or noncancerous.

What is going on in the body?

Fibrocystic changes occur when there is an imbalance of the female hormones produced by the ovaries. These hormones are estrogen and progesterone. The imbalance changes breast tissue to produce lumps. This condition is very common and is not cancer.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Fibrocystic changes are caused by a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance usually involves estrogen and progesterone. An increase in another hormone, prolactin, may also be responsible for some of the changes. Over half of all women experience fibrocystic changes at some time in their lives. The changes are most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50. The condition is uncommon after menopause unless the woman is taking hormone replacement therapy.

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

The classic symptom of fibrocystic changes is pain in both breasts. The pain is usually worse right before menstruation. The woman may have other symptoms, including:

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of fibrocystic changes begins with a medical history and physical exam. The woman can also feel the changes during a breast self-examination. The changes have been compared to manipulating a plateful of peas. There are usually areas of lumpiness. Larger cysts often feel like small balloons filled with water. A mammogram may be ordered. A breast biopsy is sometimes done but is often not required for diagnosis.

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Fibrocystic changes are so common they are considered normal in most cases. There is no known prevention.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Women with certain fibrocystic changes have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future. This risk of breast cancer can be about five times greater than the risk in women who do not have such changes. Notably, most women with fibrocystic disease do not have these unusual changes.

What are the risks to others?

Fibrocystic changes are not contagious and pose no risk to others.

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

Initial therapy consists of having the woman wear a support bra, both night and day. Diuretics, or water pills, may help the discomfort. Some women find it helpful to limit caffeine and smoking. Oral contraceptives can also reduce symptoms.

Bromocriptine or danazol may be prescribed for severe symptoms. These medicines relieve breast symptoms and decrease breast lumps in about 90% of women. On rare occasions, surgical treatment with removal of the breast is used. Surgery is usually only considered if the woman has severe pain or an abnormal biopsy.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Bromocriptine may cause nausea and dizziness. Danazol can cause weight gain, acne, and excess body hair.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

A woman with fibrocystic breast changes may need treatment intermittently.

How is the condition monitored?

A woman with fibrocystic breast changes will be asked to do regular breast self-examinations. She will have periodic visits with the healthcare provider and regular mammograms. If certain changes occur, the provider may recommend a breast biopsy. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.