If you are a woman who does her monthly breast exam, you are more than aware that the lumps in your breast are not necessarily a cause for alarm. In fact, most women (60 percent) between the ages of 30 and 50 are affected. Subsequently, many of these women have been diagnosed with fibrocystic breast condition.
Fibrocystic breast condition is defined by National Institute of Health as lumpiness and discomfort in one or both breasts. Even though this condition is benign, it does have its complications. For instance, some women develop only mild pain and swelling premenstrually, while others have constant pain along with many nodular areas in their breasts.
What Causes Fibrocystic Breasts?
A combination of reactions causes this condition. In the breast, hormones in the glandular tissue stimulates growth, activates blood vessels, cell metabolism and supporting tissue. Of course, all of this causes the breast to feel full, especially right before the cycle begins. Normally, these increased breast cells experience a “cell death,” called apoptosis. When the cells die, they leave fragments. It is these fragments and subsequent inflammation that damages the ducts and lobules of the glandular tissue.
Why is it Important to Diagnose Fibrocystic Breasts?
It is very important to know if your breasts are fibrocystic or not. The reason? Fibrocystic lumps in the breast can mimic those found in breast cancer. Fibrocystic lumps can even hide underlying breast cancer. So in order to rule out any other suspicions, further diagnostic tests may be needed.
In the meantime, if you are diagnosed with fibrocystic breast condition, there are certainly precautionary measures that you need to be aware of like:
Learn about fibrocystic breast condition and its symptoms
Learn how to perform a breast self-examination
Have regular breast exams by a doctor
Have regular breast mammograms done
Best in health!
Resources: National Institute of Health, MedicineNet
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer and a strong advocate for the underprivileged.