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  • With Mayo Clinic internist

    Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.

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Question

Fibrocystic breast changes: Linked to breast cancer?

Do fibrocystic breast changes increase my risk of breast cancer?

Answer

from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.

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Illustration showing normal breast vs. fibrocystic breast 
Fibrocystic breast changes

No. Fibrocystic breast changes don't increase your risk of breast cancer.

Having fibrocystic breasts is very common. Women with this noncancerous (benign) condition often experience lumpy, painful breasts. The cause of fibrocystic breast changes isn't completely understood. But the condition is likely associated with hormone fluctuations during a woman's menstrual cycle.

Although it doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer, having fibrocystic breasts may interfere with your ability to detect new breast lumps or other abnormal changes that might need to be evaluated by your doctor. It's important to become familiar with how your breasts normally feel so that you'll know when something just doesn't feel right.

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References
  1. Valea FA, et al. Breast diseases: Diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disease. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/170973781-3/0/1524/96.html?tocnode=53759192&fromURL=96.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50018-2_472. Accessed Dec. 21, 2011.
  2. Miltenburg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
  3. Giuliano AE, et al. Breast disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2012. 51st ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=8538. Accessed Dec. 21, 2011.
AN00715 Feb. 15, 2012

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