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Fibrocystic Breasts

Fibrocystic Breast Disease (lumpy breasts) is the most common cause of non-cancerous breast lumps in women between 30 and 50 years of age.

A cyst is a bubble within tissue and can be filled with liquid or air. When these cysts become more permanent structures within the breasts, they are known as fibrocystic.

Women often find these lumps during a self-exam and as frightening as discovering a lump in your breast is, remember that the majority of breast lumps are not cancerous.  However, all breasts lumps must be investigated to rule out cancer and/or to begin immediate treatment if cancer is diagnosed.

 Symptoms

Symptoms include swollen, tender breasts and/or one or more lumps.  Symptoms are usually worse just before your menstrual period and then improve after this starts.  The degree to which women experience symptoms varies significantly; some only experience mild breast pain while others can experience more severe pain, tenderness and indeed may feel multiple lumps.

Fibrocystic breast lumps can occur anywhere in the breasts.  Because the lumps change in size and feel like they “move”, it can be frightening when you find one. They can also feel quite painful due to the swelling and inflammation and if you are at all concerned, arrange a breast screening as soon as possible.

 What Causes Fibrocystic Breasts?

 During each menstrual cycle, normal hormonal stimulation causes the breasts’ milk glands and ducts to enlarge and excess liquid can sometimes get trapped in a “bubble” or cyst.

What can I do about it?

Use ice on the breasts when they are tender

Wear a well-fitting bra

Supplements such as Omega 3 Fish Oils, Vitamin E, Thiamine and Evening Primrose Oil may help.

Look at the oestrogen in your diet, too much from commercially raised meat, the combined pill or HRT can make the problem worse.  Reduce caffeine and high sugar items such as chocolate, fizzy drinks, coffee, refined white flour etc. Sugar plays a key part in stimulating oestrogen production!

Lymphatic drainage also helps to reduce the swelling around the cysts and the surrounding areas making the breasts feel more comfortable.

Remember, cysts are benign! There is rarely any need to operate. A single cyst may become large, swollen or painful and a doctor can aspirate it however, most doctors will be reluctant to interfere in a healthy breast – and fibrocystic breasts are still healthy!

 Monitoring your breasts

Having fibrocystic breasts is not, of itself, a risk factor for breast cancer however, it can make it more difficult to detect a hidden breast cancer with self examination, ultrasound or mammography.  Fortunately, Thermal Imaging clearly monitors fibrocystic breasts with no radiation, patient contact or discomfort.

It is very important that women become familiar with the “normal” lumpiness of their breasts so that they can readily identify changes that may indicate breast cancer.

To discuss anything raised here, please call one of our thermographers at The Bodyworks Health Clinic on 952 883 151 or go to www.TheBodyworksClinic.com or www.BreastScreening.es.