Fibrocystic Breasts

Fibrocystic breasts are a common, noncancerous condition that causes painful, lumpy breast tissue. These changes to your breast are usually harmless and don’t require treatment. Fibrocystic breast changes tend to be most noticeable just before your menstrual period when hormone levels fluctuate. Up to 50% of all people assigned female at birth (AFAB) between ages 20 and 50 experience fibrocystic breast changes.

The lumps develop when fibrous tissue in your breast collects in one area, creating a mass. Fibrous tissue can be found in many parts of your body like your skin, joints and ligaments. Lumps can also form when fluid collects in a certain spot and creates a cyst.

The condition was previously called “fibrocystic breast disease,” but healthcare providers don’t use this term anymore for a couple of reasons. First, it’s common to have fibrocystic breast changes due to changes in hormones. Second, just because you have fibrocystic breasts doesn’t mean it’s a disease.

One of the best ways to identify changes to your breasts is getting to know them. Take time to regularly examine your breasts and look at their shape and size and how they feel when you touch them. You should also inspect your nipples and note their direction or if there is any discharge when you squeeze them. These steps are a great way for you to identify when something about your breasts seems different.

As changes to your breasts can be hard to identify on your own, it’s always a good idea to contact a healthcare provider if you notice any changes to them, such as new lumps, lumps that are getting bigger and breast pain that doesn’t go away. A provider can perform a clinical breast exam or order imaging tests to rule out other causes of breast lumps.