Fibrocystic disease Flashcards
How common is it?
30-60% of women, 70 to 90% lifetime prevalence
Who does it affect?
Women of childbearing age normally
What causes it?
Not fully understood, due to hormone levels (oestrogen, progesterone and prolactin) as the condition tends to subside after the menopause
What risk factors are there.
Age- Women 30-50s. Birth control pills may lower the likelihood but hormone therapy may increase them.
How does it present?
Noncancerous breast lumps that can sometimes cause discomfort, often periodically related to hormonal influence from the menstrual cycle. May experience a persistent or intermittent breast aching or breast tenderness related to periodic swelling. Breast or nipples may be tender or itchy. Thickening of tissue
Signs on examination?
Lumps are smooth with defined edges, and are usually free moving in regards to surrounding tissue. Most often found in the upper, outer section of the breast
Investigations?
Possibly mammogram or MRI if really suspicious.
Treatment?
Most don’t require invasive treatment. Over the counter painkillers. Well-fitting supportive bra to help with the pain. Warm or cold compression can also apparently help
Differential?
Cancer
