Fibroid cysts is not breast cancer!

Fibroids or lumps in the breasts are common due to fibrocystic changes that happen in between the ages of 30-50. They are also known as cystic disease, chronic cystic mastitis or mammary dysphasia. Although the name contains ‘disease' it is a misnomer. Fibroids are a condition and the non-cancerous one at that. It affect at least sixty percent of women before menopause.

Diagnosis:

Fibroids or fibrocystic changes are easily diagnosed by an initial breast examination by you general physician. She will ask you to undergo an x-ray examination or a get a mammogram to confirm suspicions. In some cases, it might require a biopsy.

Causes:

Fibrocystic changes have a lot to do with the way the breast tissue reacts during a woman's period. The levels of progesterone and estrogen, the female hormones are released during menstruation, change considerably affecting breast tissue. They stimulate the tissue to grow large in size, thus causing the milk ducts to become larger, the breast to retain water. The makes them tender and swollen and the often feel lumpy. The constant swelling and tightening causes small packets of fluid to form in the breasts, especially in the enlarged milk glands. These are called cysts. Due to these cysts, the breast shape begins to feel irregular or lumpy. At times, small bead like lumps seem to be present in many areas of the breast. Cysts usually form in both breasts, especially in the upper outer quadrant of the underside of the breasts. These changes often cause a dull ache, sensitivity, fullness or heaviness and a burning sensation in the breasts.

Lump v/s Fibroids

Fibrocystic changes do not happen in all women, and therefore the appearance of a lump causes much panic and confusion with those who have never suffered fibrocystic changes. TO add to this, the breast is inherently quite lumpy, due to the milk glands, ducts and a lot of fibrous tissue. As such, women who are comfortable and well-versed with the Self Breast Examination eventually learn to tell the difference between a real lump and fake one.

Prevention

The intake of caffeine and dietary fat is said to worsen the fibrocystic changes, and hence should be minimized.

Symptoms:

A doctor will be able to tell the presence of moving breast "masses" or lumps in the breasts with the help of a few tests and examinations. Fibroid cysts are well rounded, smooth and rubber-like, and at times can change shape. The following tests may be used:

1. Mammography - which is much like an e-ray, but only for the tissues. However, with dense tissues it might not yield results
2. If the mammogram is not satisfactory, a biopsy may be suggested.
3. FNAC: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology uses a very fine needle to take out parts of the ‘lump' and test it for fibroid-like properties.


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