Fibrocystic breast (FB)

Question 1

Fibrocystic breasts (FB)

Answer 1

Fibrocystic breasts (FB) = A common, benign condition characterised by swollen and tender breasts.
* Common among premenopausal women aged 20–50 years old.
* A minority can progress to a high-risk and malignant phenotype
due to genetic mutations and differing breast microbiome.

Question 2

FB: Symptoms

Answer 2

Symptoms:
* Cyclical breast cysts; ‘diffuse lumpiness’.
* Breast pain (often bilateral) often during the luteal phase; improves post menses. Dull / heavy in nature.
* Some experience nipple discharge.

Question 3

FB: Causes and risk factors

Answer 3

Causes and risk factors:
* Oestrogen dominance / elevated O:P
ratio with low progesterone. Stress may be a contributing factor.
* Reproductive history ― nulliparity and late menopause.
* Obesity and T2DM are both associated with breast changes.
* HRT ― increased incidence with oestrogen-replacement therapy.
* Iodine deficiency ― shown to contribute to FB.
* Methylxanthines ― substances found in coffee, tea, cola, chocolate and some drugs that have been linked with FB.
* Low fibre ― ↑ dietary fibre = ↓ risk of benign breast disease