Fibrocystic breast changes is a condition of the
breast
The breast is one of two prominences located on the upper ventral region of a primate's torso. Both females and males develop breasts from the same embryological tissues.
In females, it serves as the mammary gland, which produces and secret ...
s where there may be
pain
Pain is a distressing feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, ...
,
breast cyst
A breast cyst is a cyst, a fluid-filled sac, within the breast. One breast can have one or more cysts. They are often described as round or oval lumps with distinct edges. In texture, a breast cyst usually feels like a soft grape or a water-filled ...
s, and
breast mass
A breast mass, also known as a breast lump, is a localized Swelling (medical), swelling that feel different from the surrounding tissue (biology), tissue. Breast pain, nipple discharge, or skin changes may be present. Concerning findings include ...
es.
[ The breasts may be described as "lumpy" or "doughy".][ Symptoms may worsen during certain parts of the ]menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that make pregnancy possible. The ovarian cycle controls the production and release of eggs a ...
due to hormonal stimulation. These are normal breast changes, not associated with cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal b ...
.[
Risk factors include an early age at first menstrual period and either having children at a late age or not at all.] It is not a disease but represents normal breast changes.[ Diagnosis involves ruling out ]breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, milk rejection, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or a re ...
. Fibrocystic changes include fibroadenoma
Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumours characterized by an admixture of stromal and epithelial tissue. Breasts are made of lobules (milk producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry the milk to the nipple). These are surrounded by glandular, ...
s, fibrosis
Fibrosis, also known as fibrotic scarring, is a pathological wound healing in which connective tissue replaces normal parenchymal tissue to the extent that it goes unchecked, leading to considerable tissue remodelling and the formation of perma ...
, and papilloma
A papilloma (plural papillomas or papillomata) ('' papillo-'' + '' -oma'') is a benign epithelial tumor growing exophytically (outwardly projecting) in nipple-like and often finger-like fronds. In this context, papilla refers to the projection cre ...
s of the breast.[
Management may involve education about the condition, using a well fitting ]bra
A bra, short for brassiere or brassière (, or ; ), is a form-fitting undergarment that is primarily used to support and cover breasts. It can serve a range of other practical and aesthetic purposes, including enhancing or reducing the appea ...
, and pain medication
An analgesic drug, also called simply an analgesic (American English), analgaesic (British English), pain reliever, or painkiller, is any member of the group of drugs used to achieve relief from pain (that is, analgesia or pain management). It i ...
, if needed.[ Occasionally ]danazol
Danazol, sold as Danocrine and other brand names, is a medication used in the treatment of endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, hereditary angioedema and other conditions. It is taken by mouth.
The use of danazol is limited by masculini ...
or tamoxifen
Tamoxifen, sold under the brand name Nolvadex among others, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to prevent breast cancer in women and treat breast cancer in women and men. It is also being studied for other types of cancer. It has b ...
may be used for pain.[ It is estimated that up to 60% of women are affected.] Most commonly between the ages of 30 and 50 years.[
]
Signs and symptoms
The changes in fibrocystic breast disease are characterised by the appearance of fibrous
Fiber or fibre (from la, fibra, links=no) is a natural or artificial substance that is significantly longer than it is wide. Fibers are often used in the manufacture of other materials. The strongest engineering materials often incorporate ...
tissue and a lumpy, cobblestone
Cobblestone is a natural building material based on cobble-sized stones, and is used for pavement roads, streets, and buildings.
Setts, also called Belgian blocks, are often casually referred to as "cobbles", although a sett is distinct fro ...
texture in the breasts. These lumps are smooth with well defined edges, and free-moving regarding adjacent structures. These lumps can sometimes be obscured by irregularities in the breast associated with the condition. They are often found in the upper, outer sections of the breast (nearest to the armpit
The axilla (also, armpit, underarm or oxter) is the area on the human body directly under the shoulder joint. It includes the axillary space, an anatomical space within the shoulder girdle between the arm and the thoracic cage, bounded superiorl ...
), but can be found throughout the breast. Women with fibrocystic changes may experience a persistent or intermittent aching or breast tenderness
Breast pain is the symptom of discomfort in either one or both breasts. Pain in both breasts is often described as ''breast tenderness'', is usually associated with the menstrual period and is not serious. Pain that involves only one part of a br ...
related to periodic swelling. Breasts and nipples
The nipple is a raised region of tissue on the surface of the breast from which, in females, milk leaves the breast through the lactiferous ducts to feed an infant. The milk can flow through the nipple passively or it can be ejected by smooth mu ...
may also be tender or itch
Itch (also known as pruritus) is a sensation that causes the desire or reflex to scratch. Itch has resisted many attempts to be classified as any one type of sensory experience. Itch has many similarities to pain, and while both are unpleasant ...
y.
Symptoms follow a periodic trend closely tied to the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that make pregnancy possible. The ovarian cycle controls the production and release of eggs a ...
. Symptoms tend to peak in the days to weeks before each period
Period may refer to:
Common uses
* Era, a length or span of time
* Full stop (or period), a punctuation mark
Arts, entertainment, and media
* Period (music), a concept in musical composition
* Periodic sentence (or rhetorical period), a concept ...
and decrease afterwards. At peak, breasts may feel full, heavy, swollen, and tender to the touch. No complications related to breastfeeding
Breastfeeding, or nursing, is the process by which human breast milk is fed to a child. Breast milk may be from the breast, or may be expressed by hand or pumped and fed to the infant. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that br ...
have been found.
Pathophysiology
The exact mechanism of the condition is not fully understood, though it is known to be tied to hormone
A hormone (from the Greek participle , "setting in motion") is a class of signaling molecules in multicellular organisms that are sent to distant organs by complex biological processes to regulate physiology and behavior. Hormones are required ...
level fluctuation, the condition usually subsides after menopause
Menopause, also known as the climacteric, is the time in women's lives when menstrual periods stop permanently, and they are no longer able to bear children. Menopause usually occurs between the age of 47 and 54. Medical professionals often d ...
and is closely related to the menstrual cycle. Post-menopausal under hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as menopausal hormone therapy or postmenopausal hormone therapy, is a form of hormone therapy used to treat symptoms associated with female menopause. These symptoms can include hot flashes, vaginal ...
have also reported symptoms of fibrocystic breast changes indicating hormones may play a major role.
This condition is an accumulative process, partly caused by the normal hormonal variation during a woman's monthly cycle. The most important of these hormones include estrogen
Estrogen or oestrogen is a category of sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. There are three major endogenous estrogens that have estrogenic hormonal acti ...
, progesterone
Progesterone (P4) is an endogenous steroid and progestogen sex hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis of humans and other species. It belongs to a group of steroid hormones called the progestogens and is the m ...
and prolactin
Prolactin (PRL), also known as lactotropin, is a protein best known for its role in enabling mammals to produce milk. It is influential in over 300 separate processes in various vertebrates, including humans. Prolactin is secreted from the pit ...
.
These hormones directly affect the breast tissue by causing cells to grow and multiply.[2010/04/13, MedicineNet.com] Other hormones such as TSH, insulin
Insulin (, from Latin ''insula'', 'island') is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets encoded in humans by the ''INS'' gene. It is considered to be the main anabolic hormone of the body. It regulates the metabolism o ...
, growth hormone
Growth hormone (GH) or somatotropin, also known as human growth hormone (hGH or HGH) in its human form, is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals. It is thus important in h ...
and growth factors such as TGF-beta
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the transforming growth factor superfamily that includes three different mammalian isoforms (TGF-β 1 to 3, HGNC symbols TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3) and many other sign ...
exert both direct and indirect effects by amplifying or regulating cell growth. Chronic hormonal fluctuations eventually produce small cysts
A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct envelope and division compared with the nearby tissue. Hence, it is a cluster of cells that have grouped together to form a sac (like the manner in which water molecules group together to form a bubble) ...
and/or areas of dense or fibrotic tissue over the years. By the age of 30, multiple small cysts and breast pain may arise. Larger cysts usually do not occur until after the age of 35.[2010/04/13] Over time, presumably driven by aberrant growth signals, such lesions may accumulate epigenetic, genetic and karyotypic changes such as modified expression of hormone receptors and loss of heterozygosity.
Several variants of fibrocystic breast changes may be distinguished and may vary in cause and genetic predisposition. Adenosis involves an abnormal count and density of lobular units, while other lesions appear to mainly arise from ductal epithelial origins.
There is evidence that iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency is a lack of the trace element iodine, an essential nutrient in the diet. It may result in metabolic problems such as goiter, sometimes as an endemic goiter as well as congenital iodine deficiency syndrome due to untreated cong ...
contributes to fibrocystic breast changes by enhancing breast tissue sensitivity to estrogen
Estrogen or oestrogen is a category of sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. There are three major endogenous estrogens that have estrogenic hormonal acti ...
.
Diagnosis
This is an exclusion diagnosis, mostly done based on the clinical presentation after ruling out breast cancer. Nipple fluid aspiration can be used as a classification cyst type method (and to some extent improve breast cancer risk prediction) but is rarely used in practice. Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical test commonly performed by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist. The process involves extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence or extent of a diseas ...
or fine needle aspiration are rarely warranted.
Fibrocystic breast disease is primarily diagnosed based on the symptoms, clinical breast exam
Breast self-examination (BSE) is a screening method used in an attempt to detect early breast cancer. The method involves the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling.
BSE was once promoted hea ...
and physical exam. During this examination, the doctor looks for unusual breast areas, both visually and manually. Also, the lymph nodes
A lymph node, or lymph gland, is a kidney-shaped organ of the lymphatic system and the adaptive immune system. A large number of lymph nodes are linked throughout the body by the lymphatic vessels. They are major sites of lymphocytes that includ ...
located in the axilla and lower neck are examined. A complete and accurate medical history
The medical history, case history, or anamnesis (from Greek: ἀνά, ''aná'', "open", and μνήσις, ''mnesis'', "memory") of a patient is information gained by a physician by asking specific questions, either to the patient or to other peo ...
is also helpful in the diagnosing process. If the patient's medical history and physical exam findings are consistent with normal breast changes, no additional tests are needed; otherwise the patient will be asked to return a few weeks later for reassessment.[2010/04/13] Women may detect lumps in their breasts during self-examination; if this happens it is strongly advised to visit a health professional immediately.
Imaging
In order to establish whether the lump is a cyst or not, several imaging tests may be performed, which may include mammography, X-rays, MRIs and ultrasound studies. Mammography
Mammography (also called mastography) is the process of using low-energy X-rays (usually around 30 kVp) to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through d ...
is usually the first imaging test to be ordered when unusual breast changes are found during a clinical breast examination. A diagnostic mammography consists of a series of X-rays that provide clear and specific visualization of areas in the breast.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound is sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. Ultrasound is not different from "normal" (audible) sound in its physical properties, except that humans cannot hear it. This limit varies fr ...
and MRIs
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio wa ...
are commonly performed in conjunction with mammographies as they produce clear images of the breast that clearly distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled breast cysts. These can better evaluate dense breast tissue
Dense breast tissue, also known as dense breasts, is a condition of the breasts where a higher proportion of the breasts are made up of glandular tissue and fibrous tissue than fatty tissue. Around 40–50% of women have dense breast tissue and on ...
, especially in young patients under 30.
Biopsy
Breast biopsy
A biopsy is a medical test commonly performed by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist. The process involves extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence or extent of a diseas ...
is a test used to confirm the suspected diagnosis only after imaging tests have already been performed and revealed unusual-looking areas. The procedure consists in removing a sample of breast tissue, which is then studied by a pathologist under a microscope
A microscope () is a laboratory instrument used to examine objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Microscopy is the science of investigating small objects and structures using a microscope. Microscopic means being invisibl ...
. The specialist analyzing the tissue sample will be able to conclude if the breast changes are benign or malignant.
There are four main types of procedures for breast biopsy that may be performed, including fine-needle, core-needle, stereotactic biopsy and surgical approach. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is usually ordered when the doctor is almost certain that the lump is a cyst. This test is generally performed in conjunction with an ultrasound which is helpful in guiding the needle into a small or hard to find lump. The procedure consists in inserting a thin needle into the breast tissue while the lump is palpated and seen live under sonographic ultrasound waves.
The core-needle biopsy is normally performed under local anesthesia
Anesthesia is a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical or veterinary purposes. It may include some or all of analgesia (relief from or prevention of pain), paralysis (muscle relaxation), ...
and in a physician's office. The needle used in this procedure is slightly larger than the one used in a fine-needle biopsy because the procedure is intended to remove a small cylinder of tissue that will be sent to the laboratory
A laboratory (; ; colloquially lab) is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed. Laboratory services are provided in a variety of settings: physicia ...
for further examination.
A newer type of breast biopsy technique is the stereotactic
Stereotactic surgery is a minimally invasive form of surgical intervention that makes use of a three-dimensional coordinate system to locate small targets inside the body and to perform on them some action such as ablation, biopsy, lesion, injec ...
biopsy which relies on a three-dimensional X-ray to guide the needle of non-palpable mass. The biopsy is performed in a similar manner, by using a needle to remove a tissue sample, but locating the specific area of the breast is done by X-raying the breast from two different angles. Surgical biopsy is performed to remove the entire lump or a part of it. It may be painful and is done under local anesthesia.
Treatment
Most women with fibrocystic changes who are asymptomatic do not need treatment; closer follow-up may be advised.[2010/04/13] There is no widely accepted treatment or prevention strategy for this condition. When the patient is symptomatic, treatment may be necessary. The same guidelines are followed as for treatment for cyclical breast pain. There is still controversy whether benign breast conditions improve or worsen with the use of oral contraceptives Oral contraceptives, abbreviated OCPs, also known as birth control pills, are medications taken by mouth for the purpose of birth control.
Female
Two types of female oral contraceptive pill, taken once per day, are widely available:
* The combin ...
or hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as menopausal hormone therapy or postmenopausal hormone therapy, is a form of hormone therapy used to treat symptoms associated with female menopause. These symptoms can include hot flashes, vaginal ...
.
Small-scale studies have indicated that fibrocystic breast changes may improve by making dietary changes (especially by reducing caffeine
Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the methylxanthine class. It is mainly used recreationally as a cognitive enhancer, increasing alertness and attentional performance. Caffeine acts by blocking binding of adenosine t ...
intake and related methylxanthines
Xanthine ( or ; archaically xanthic acid; systematic name 3,7-dihydropurine-2,6-dione) is a purine base found in most human body tissues and fluids, as well as in other organisms. Several stimulants are derived from xanthine, including caffein ...
found in chocolate or tea) and usage of vitamin supplements. Tentative evidence has shown beneficial effects of iodine supplementation in women with fibrocystic breast changes.
Prognosis
There are usually no adverse side effects associated with this condition. In almost all cases it subsides after menopause
Menopause, also known as the climacteric, is the time in women's lives when menstrual periods stop permanently, and they are no longer able to bear children. Menopause usually occurs between the age of 47 and 54. Medical professionals often d ...
. A possible complication arises through the fact that cancerous
Cancer is a group of diseases involving Cell growth#Disorders, abnormal cell growth with the potential to Invasion (cancer), invade or Metastasis, spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Poss ...
tumors may be more difficult to detect in women with fibrocystic changes.
Breast cancer risk
Breast cancer risk is elevated in a defined fraction of the lesions. Except for people with a strong family history of breast cancer, where the risk is two-fold, nonproliferative lesions have no increased risk. Proliferative lesions also have approximately a two-fold risk: in particular, atypical hyperplasia
Hyperplasia (from ancient Greek ὑπέρ ''huper'' 'over' + πλάσις ''plasis'' 'formation'), or hypergenesis, is an enlargement of an organ or tissue caused by an increase in the amount of organic tissue that results from cell proliferati ...
which is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. There are two types of atypical hyperplasia: lobular and ductal; the lobular type is associated a greater cancer risk of approximately five-fold and especially high relative risk in premenopausal women. Atypical ductal hyperplasia is associated with a 2.4-fold risk. In contrast, a ''New England Journal of Medicine'' article states that for women with a strong familial history of breast cancer, the risk of future breast cancer is roughly doubled, independent of histological status. The article further states "The relative risk of breast cancer for the cohort was 1.56 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.45 to 1.68), and this increased risk persisted for at least 25 years after biopsy. The relative risk associated with atypia was 4.24 (95 percent confidence interval, 3.26 to 5.41), as compared with a relative risk of 1.88 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.66 to 2.12) for proliferative changes without atypia and of 1.27 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.15 to 1.41) for nonproliferative lesions. The strength of the family history of breast cancer, available for 4808 women, was a risk factor that was independent of histologic findings. No increased risk was found among women with no family history and nonproliferative findings. In the first 10 years after the initial biopsy, an excess of cancers occurred in the same breast, especially in women with atypia."
It is not well understood whether the lesions are precursors of breast cancer or only an indication of increased risk; for most types of lesions the chance of developing breast cancer is nearly the same in the affected and unaffected breast (side), indicating only coincidence of risk factors. For atypical lobular hyperplasia there is high incidence of ipsilateral breast cancers, indicating a possible direct carcinogenetic link.
Epidemiology
The estimated prevalence of fibrocystic breast changes in women over their lifetime varies widely in the literature, ranging from 30 to 60% over about 50 to 60% to about 60 to 75% of all women.
The condition is most common among women between 30 and 50 years of age.
Terminology
In ICD-10
ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), a medical classification list by the World Health Organization (WHO). It contains codes for diseases, signs and symptoms, ...
the condition is called ''diffuse cystic mastopathy'', or, if there is epithelial proliferation, ''fibrosclerosis of breast''. Other names for this condition include ''chronic cystic mastitis'', ''fibrocystic mastopathy'' and ''mammary dysplasia''. The condition has also been named after several people (see eponym
An eponym is a person, a place, or a thing after whom or which someone or something is, or is believed to be, named. The adjectives which are derived from the word eponym include ''eponymous'' and ''eponymic''.
Usage of the word
The term ''epon ...
s below). Since it is a very common disorder, some authors have argued that it should not be termed a disease, whereas others feel that it meets the criteria for a disease. It is not a classic form of mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast or udder, usually associated with breastfeeding. Symptoms typically include local pain and redness. There is often an associated fever and general soreness. Onset is typically fairly rapid and usually occurs ...
(breast inflammation).
Eponyms
This entity has historically also been termed ''Bloodgood’s disease'', ''Cooper's disease'' (after Sir Astley Paston Cooper, 1st baronet), ''Phocas' disease'', ''Reclus’ disease'' and ''Reclus’ syndrome'' (after Paul Reclus Paul Reclus may refer to:
*Paul Reclus (anarchist) (1858–1941), French anarchist.
*Paul Reclus (surgeon) (1847–1914), French physician specializing in surgery.
{{hndis, Reclus, Paul ...
), ''Reclus-Schimmelbusch disease'', ''Schimmelbusch disease'' and ''Tillaux-Phocas disease''.
References
External links
{{Diseases of the breast
Breast diseases
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