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June 10, 2004 |
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Breast Health Fibrocystic Breast Disease A benign but frightening condition that affects more than 30 percent of American women is fibrocystic breast disease, a non-cancerous condition characterized by round lumps that move freely within the breast tissue. These lumps are usually tender to the touch and can often become more painful as menstruation approaches. Often the cysts will fill with fluid and can enlarge premenstrually in response to the increase in hormone levels during this time. (In contrast, a cancerous growth is not tender or does not move freely when touched.) The main hormones implicated in the worsening of breast symptoms premenstrually include estrogen and prolactin, the milk-release hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. Dietary factors have also been implicated. With time, the cysts may become chronically inflamed and surrounded by fibrous tissue that can harden and thicken the cysts. Many women have lingering concerns about what the cysts may becomeand if their doctor is concerned, he will perform a surgical biopsy.
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