Fibrocystic Breast Changes

If you’ve ever noticed your breasts becoming lumpy, thick, or painful around your period, you may be among the estimated 30% to 60% of women who have fibrocystic breasts (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease). 

Despite the clinical name, fibrocystic breast changes are very common and usually harmless.  Extra connective tissue and/or fluid-filled cysts can form in one or both breasts and usually change over the course of the menstrual cycle.

If you’ve experienced sudden breast changes — such as a new or growing lump, or breast pain that does not go away after your period — you should talk about these changes with your doctor.

Fibrocystic breast symptoms include: 

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  A lumpy or ropy texture 

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  Breast tenderness or breast pain 

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  Swelling 

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  Dimpling of the skin (like an orange)

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  Nipple discharge 

Symptoms tend to worsen just before your menstrual period.

Doctors usually diagnose fibrocystic breast changes by doing a physical breast exam and asking about symptoms. They may also use imaging tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound to get a better look.

In rare cases, doctors may examine individual cysts with an ultrasound. Doctors may also drain cysts or remove samples of them to examine under a microscope (biopsy). 

The following strategies may help manage symptoms: 

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  Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin) — read labels and consult with your doctor to make sure you’re taking them safely. 

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  Apply warm or cool compresses to breasts when they’re most painful. 

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  Wear a comfortable, supportive bra (such as a cotton sports bra). 

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  Avoid large amounts of fat, salt, and/or caffeine in the diet, which some people find can worsen symptoms. 

Talk to your doctor if your symptoms interfere with your quality of life. They may recommend:

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  Draining any very large cysts that are causing pain. 

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  Starting (or, if you’re already on one) stopping an oral contraceptive.

Fibrocystic breast changes can cause pain or tenderness. But it’s also possible they won’t cause pain at all. If fibrocystic breast changes do cause pain, it may worsen around your period. 

Fibrocystic breast changes alone do not appear to increase the risk of breast cancer, but changes in breast tissue may make it more difficult to identify tissue that could be cancer.  

The underlying cause of fibrocystic breast changes is not confirmed. However, experts believe they happen in response to hormonal fluctuations. Get to know your breasts with regular breast self-exams a few days after your period ends.