-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
fibrocystic breasts
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
Inflammation and tenderness in the cystic tissue of a woman's breast.
etiology:
This is the most common breast disease in women, occurring in about 20% of premenopausal females. The normal menstrual cycle is responsible for biphasic stimulation of the breasts, first through the proliferation of breast tissue by estrogens and then of the alveolar tissue by progesterone. Most women do not notice such changes, but in some females the breast symptoms are quite noticeable and uncomfortable. FBD is associated with a 3X higher risk for the development of breast cancer and caffeine consumption appears to be one of the principal aggravating factors.
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
Symptoms usually occur in the second half of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Typically FBD is bilateral.
Pain and swelling of the breasts: may be extremely sensitive to touch or ascending/descending stairs, etc.
Cysts are often palpable: multiple cysts are common, and are easily moved about.
No lymphadenopathy occurs.
Often the woman has other concurrent premenstrual syndrome symptoms: bloating, craving for sweets, anxiety/mood swings.
lab findings:
(-) biopsy for carcinoma.
course and prognosis
The prognosis is excellent if the reasons for the woman's premenstrual syndrome and cystic tendencies are addressed and corrected.
Cyst aspiration may relieve symptoms but they often recur if underlying causes are not resolved.
differential diagnosis
Fibroadenoma.
Neoplasia.
footnotes