What do fibrocystic changes feel like?
Fibrocystic lumpiness is also described as “ropy” or “granular” and seems to become more obvious as a woman approaches middle age and the milk producing glandular tissue gives way to softer, fatty tissue. However, women with lumpy breasts may experience many other benign breast conditions. Lumpiness in the breasts may make actual lumps harder to distinguish. Thus, it is important that women with lumpy breasts perform regular breast self-examinations and have regular physical examinations, including mammography as indicated by the National Cancer Institute guidelines. Knowing the normal shape and feel of your own breasts is important, especially when performing examinations to detect any unusual breast changes.
