Fibrocystic Changes Fibrocystic changes, a term used by physicians and pathologists, describes a number of non-cancerous conditions occurring in the breasts. These conditions are found in the breasts as lumps or masses which occur and change with the menstrual cycle and may be accompanied by pain and tenderness. Previously, the term "fibrocystic disease" was used to describe the process and was falsely implicated as a risk factor for cancer. However, at least 50 percent of all women have irregular feeling. lumpy breasts. Furthermore, studies have shown that as many as 90 percent have microscopic fibrocystic changes.
These changes are a normal response to the hormonal stimulation of the breast tissue and do not represent a "disease" process. Thus, the term "fibrocystic disease" is not an accurate description of the changes. Fibrocystic changes do not increase the risk for cancer. The term is commonly applied to any change that is not cancerous. Because there is no exact clinical definition, ask your physician precisely what type of changes have been found in your breast tissue if you receive the diagnosis of fibrocystic changes.
