What Are Fibrocystic Changes?
Fibrocystic changes are benign breast changes. The medical literature used to refer to them as “fibrocystic disease.” That was before fibrocystic changes were found to be no more a disease than menstruation or menopause. The breast tissue may feel dense with an irregular area of thicker tissue having a lumpy or ridge-like surface. You might also feel tiny bead-like masses scattered throughout the breasts. Your breasts may feel tender, swollen, and full with a dull, heavy pain. They may be sensitive to touch with a burning sensation. This discomfort is normal and does not indicate the presence of disease. For some women the pain is so severe that they cannot exercise or lie on their stomachs. Fibrocystic changes usually occur in both breasts. Most often in the upper outer quadrant and the underside of the breast where most of the milk-producing glands are located.
