• This condition refers to the formation of small cysts (usually multiple) and other abnormal tissue around the breast.  The cysts are benign (not cancerous), usually occurring in women 30-50 years old.
  

• May have none
  
• Breast pain
  
• Breast tenderness
  
• Nipple discharge
  
• Pain/tenderness usually fluctuates with the menstrual cycle
  

• Lumps felt on examination
  
• Mammograms
  
• Ultrasound
  
• Biopsy to prove not cancer
  

• Eliminating caffeine from the diet can be helpful (e.g., coffee, teas, soda, chocolate)
  
• Vitamin E 400 I.U. per day helps many women
  
• Danazol (medication similar to male hormones) used in severe cases
  

• Breast Cancer
  
• Fibroadenoma of the Breast
  

• Cancer Risk

- There may be a somewhat increased risk of cancer in some women with fibrocystic breast disease.  Therefore, monthly breast exams, regular mammograms, and physician breast examinations should be performed.