Chapter 55: Breast- Fibrocystic Disease

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Common benign breast condition consisting of fibrous (rubbery) and cystic changes in the breast

Question 2

What are the signs/symptoms?

Answer 2

Breast pain or tenderness that varies with the menstrual cycle; cysts; and fibrous (“nodular”) fullness

Question 3

How is it diagnosed?

Answer 3

Through breast exam, history, and aspirated cysts (usually straw-colored or green fluid)

Question 4

What is the treatment for symptomatic fibrocystic disease?

Answer 4

• Stop caffeine
• Pain medications (NSAIDs)
• Vitamin E
• evening primrose oil
• (danazol and OCP as last resort)

Question 5

What is done if the patient has a breast cyst?

Answer 5

• Needle drainage:
  
  • ​ If aspirate is bloody or a palpable mass remains after aspiration, an open biopsy is performed.
  • If the aspirate is straw colored or green, the patient is followed closely; then, if there is recurrence, a second aspiration is performed.
• Re-recurrence usually requires open biopsy