Fibrocystic breast changes can be broadly defined as benign (noncancerous) changes in the breast. Originally referred to as fibrocystic breast disease, fibrocystic changes alone are no longer considered a disease, in part because they are so common. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that more than 60 percent of premenopausal women will experience fibrocystic breast changes over the course of their lifetime. The most common breast changes that women experience include:

• Nipple discharge
• Lumpiness
• Cysts (sacs filled with fluid)
• Swelling
• Breast pain or tenderness

These changes may create a temporary discomfort that peaks as a woman’s menstrual cycle approaches. However, some women experience more intense changes that can result in severe or even debilitating pain.

The majority of breast conditions are benign and not an indication of cancer. In fact, fibrocystic breast changes do not appear to increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. When a patient seeks medical care for pain, tenderness or a lump that may have been discovered during a monthly breast self-examination, fibrocystic breast changes are often responsible.

Although a clinical breast examination may be adequate to diagnose fibrocystic changes in a woman’s breast, additional tests such as a mammogram, breast ultrasound or biopsy may be necessary to definitely rule out cancer.

Although strongly linked to the fluctuations of hormones during a woman’s menstrual cycle, the causes of fibrocystic breast changes are unknown. Therefore, treatment typically focuses on minimizing the discomfort associated with any breast changes, and options range from lifestyle changes to prescription medication to oral contraceptives. In some cases (e.g., fibroadenomas), surgical removal of the benign tumor may be recommended.