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Breast HealthFibrocystic breasts: what does that mean?A fibrocystic breast lump is fibrous connective breast tissue, which is often associated with cysts. This term is used broadly. Sometimes, it refers to the actual diagnosis of this type of tissue by sampling a piece of breast tissue and examining it under the microscope. More often than not, it is used in a less formal way to describe the feel of breast tissue or the "clinical impression" of a breast examination by a physician or other health care provider. This is not a term that should raise the level of concern for patients. It simply means that your breast tissue responds more than average to the influence and cycle of female hormones.For the most part, fibrocystic breasts are most common during the reproductive years, and breasts become less dense and lumpy after menopause. Women, who take hormone replacement therapy after their periods stop, sometimes have similar breast lumpiness as when they were menstruating. Fibrocystic breasts require more vigilance and monitoring because dense, lumpy breasts are difficult to examine, and it is sometimes hard to distinguish good lumps from bad lumps by feel alone. Always consult your physician for questions and concerns relating to breast changes or breast lumps.
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