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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
The exact cause of fibrocystic breast changes isn't known, but experts suspect that reproductive hormones — especially estrogen — play a role.
When examined under a microscope, fibrocystic breast tissue includes distinct components such as:
- Fluid-filled round or oval sacs (cysts)
- A prominence of scar-like fibrous tissue (fibrosis)
- Overgrowth of cells (hyperplasia) lining the milk ducts or milk-producing tissues (lobules) of the breast
- Enlarged breast lobules (adenosis)
References
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Giuliano AE, et al. Breast disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=8538. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- 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/206003627-2/0/1524/96.html?tocnode=53759192&fromURL=96.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50018-2_472. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Miltenburg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Poggi MM, et al. The Breast. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2394211. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Smith RL, et al. Evaluation and management of breast pain. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2004;79:353.
- Golshan M, et al. Breast pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 16, 2010.
- Pruthi S, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: A randomized pilot study. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 2010;15:59.
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