Notice Breast Changes? They May Be Normal

Not all breast lumps indicate cancer. There are a number of benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions a woman can and probably will experience during her lifetime. These include changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and other changes that are not related to a woman's menstrual cycle.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease: Not as Scary as It Sounds

Fibrocystic breast disease affects about 60 percent of all women. This term is often used to describe generalized breast lumpiness, and it is not, in fact, a disease. Physicians and researchers now believe breast lumpiness is among the normal breast changes many women undergo throughout the various stages of their lives.

The condition is common in women between ages 30 and 50. Although the exact cause is not known, fibrocystic breast disease is believed to be associated with hormones produced by the ovaries, because it rarely occurs after menopause.

Recognizing Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic lumpiness is sometimes described as "ropy" or "granular" and seems to become more obvious as a woman approaches middle age and the milk-producing glandular tissue gives way to softer, fatty tissue.

Signs of fibrocystic breast disease include:

• Dull, heavy pain and tenderness
• Dense, irregular, and bumpy consistency in the breast tissue
• Changes that are usually in both breasts and are more noticeable in the outer upper part of the breast
• Changes that may peak before each menstrual period and improve immediately afterwards

Cancer Screening Still Important

Women with fibrocystic breast disease do not have an increased risk for cancer. However, lumpiness in the breasts may make cancerous lumps harder to distinguish.

Knowing the normal shape and feel of your own breasts is important. If you notice changes, talk with your doctor about whether you should be tested for cancer or other problems. Women with fibrocystic breast disease often have dense breast tissue that makes mammograms difficult to interpret. Your doctor may recommend a breast ultrasound or biopsy to rule out other problems.

Routine care is the best way to keep you and your breasts healthy.