What is fibrocystic breast disease?
For many fibrocystic breast disease is not a disease and is not dangerous. Fibrocystic breast disease is a state (breast swelling or tender, painful breasts) which women usually experience in the form of hormonal changes during their menstrual period. Fluid-filled sacs which are smooth and tender to feel and are firm and movable called cysts may develop in some women with a fibrocystic condition. The lump size of this cyst usually increases the week before the menstrual period and subsides in the next week. Some women with fibrocystic breast disease are more prone to breast cancer if breast biopsy shows "atypia" or abnormal breast cells. The majority of the women with fibrocystic breasts may not show atypia when a breast biopsy is performed.

Fibrocystic breast disease is both treatable and preventable over 90% of women with fibrocystic changes find improvement when they stop wearing their brassieres. This kind of self treatment does not have any side affects and rather any women can treat her by making a personal and all-natural clothing choice.

Test and Examination of fibrocystic breast disease

The best time to examine the breast is 7-10 days after the start of the menstrual period, when the breast tissue is at its most normal state i.e. swelling in the breast decreases, and the breasts becomes less tender and lumpy after menstruation. Doctors examine the breast by palpation and may find very tender lumps in the breast. Even if the doctor knows that these lumps are formed due to fibrocystic breasts, he instructs for a mammogram which is very painful in this condition. Mammogram is been advised for the prevention of breast cancer. If only a cyst is found it is removed. Doctor gives no other medical treatment for cysts and suggests warm packs.

Causes for Fibrocystic disease
Fibrocystic breast disease depends upon
• the way breast tissue responds to monthly changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone
• Female hormones produced by the ovaries during a woman's reproductive years.
• During menstrual cycle, Hormonal stimulation of the breast tissue that causes the milk glands and ducts to enlarge, and the breasts to retain water.
• More intake of caffeine, high fat diets and drugs with strong side effects may also can be the cause of Fibrocystic breast disease


Symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease

Swollen, tender breasts and one or more lumps in one breast or both breasts are one of the main symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease. Just before a woman's menstrual cycle, these symptoms worsen and then subside after the end of menstrual cycle.

Treatment of fibrocystic breast disease:-

• Avoiding caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks may reduce water retention and uneasiness in painful breasts
• A physician may recommend some pain relievers and may prescribe Vitamin E.
• Good support bra also gives relief.
• Biopsy or surgical removal of lumps.