![]() For a breast lump that feels a lot like a cyst, your doctor may try fine-needle aspiration to see if fluid can be withdrawn from the lump. Ultrasound can also help your doctor distinguish between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. Ultrasound is better for evaluating a younger woman's dense breast tissue - tissue tightly packed with lobules, ducts and connective tissue (stroma). If you're younger than age 30, you might have an ultrasound instead of a mammogram. An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of your breasts and is often performed along with a mammogram. The radiologist closely examines the area of concern when interpreting the mammogram. If your doctor detects a breast lump or prominent thickening in your breast tissue, you need a diagnostic mammogram - an X-ray exam that focuses on a specific area of concern in your breast. If the changes persist or the breast exam is concerning, you may need additional tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound. If the breast exam - along with your medical history - suggests you have normal breast changes, you may not need additional tests.īut if your doctor finds a new lump or suspicious breast tissue, you may need to come back a few weeks later, after your period, for another clinical breast exam. Your doctor feels (palpates) your breasts and the lymph nodes located in your lower neck and underarm area checking for unusual breast tissue. Tests to evaluate your condition may include:Ĭlinical breast exam. Having fibrocystic breasts doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer. Small tubes (ducts) conduct the milk to a reservoir that lies just beneath your nipple. The lobes are further divided into smaller lobules that produce milk for breastfeeding. Overgrowth of cells (hyperplasia) lining the milk ducts or milk-producing tissues (lobules) of the breastĮach breast contains 15 to 20 lobes of glandular tissue, arranged like the petals of a daisy.A prominence of scar-like fibrous tissue (fibrosis).Fluid-filled round or oval sacs (cysts).When examined under a microscope, fibrocystic breast tissue includes distinct components such as: Fibrocystic breast changes tend to be more bothersome before your menstrual period and ease up after your period begins. The exact cause of fibrocystic breast changes isn't known, but experts suspect that reproductive hormones - especially estrogen - play a role.įluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can cause breast discomfort and areas of lumpy breast tissue that feel tender, sore and swollen. Your doctor evaluated a breast lump but now it seems to be bigger or otherwise changed.Breast changes persist after your period.You have specific areas of continuous or worsening breast pain.You find a new or persistent breast lump or area of prominent thickening or firmness of the breast tissue.However, make an appointment with your doctor if: Most fibrocystic breast changes are normal. These changes happen rarely after menopause unless you're taking hormone replacement medicine such as estrogen or progesterone. Monthly increase in breast pain or lumpiness from midcycle (ovulation) to just before your period and then gets better once your period startsįibrocystic breast changes occur most often between 30 and 50 years of age.Breast changes that are similar in both breasts.Green or dark brown nonbloody nipple discharge that tends to leak without pressure or squeezing.Breast nodules or lumpy tissue change in size with the menstrual cycle.Generalized breast pain or tenderness or discomfort that involves the upper outer part of the breast.Breast lumps or areas of thickening that tend to blend into the surrounding breast tissue.Signs and symptoms of fibrocystic breasts may include: They feel distinct from other breast tissue. The cysts can make breasts feel tender, lumpy or ropy. Simple self-care measures can usually relieve discomfort associated with fibrocystic breasts.įibrocystic breast changes lead to the development of fluid-filled round or oval sacs, called cysts. Breast symptoms tend to be most bothersome just before menstruation and get better afterward. Some people experience breast pain, tenderness and lumpiness - especially in the upper, outer area of the breasts. Breast changes that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle and have a ropelike texture are considered normal.įibrocystic breast changes don't always cause symptoms. In fact, medical professionals have stopped using the term "fibrocystic breast disease" and now simply refer to "fibrocystic breasts" or "fibrocystic breast changes" because having fibrocystic breasts isn't a disease. It's not at all uncommon to have fibrocystic breasts or experience fibrocystic breast changes. Doctors call this nodular or glandular breast tissue. Last updated on Apr 4, 2023.įibrocystic breasts are composed of tissue that feels lumpy or ropelike in texture.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |