Nodularity / Significant lumpiness /Fibrocystic Breast Changes

This can be cyclical / non cyclical. This represents a general pattern of persistent lumpiness that is generally not abnormal and represents the responsiveness of the breast tissue to various hormones of the body especially oestrogen and progesterone hormones that are the main female hormones. Since the breast consists of hormonally sensitive lobes (15-20 in each breast) and each lobe is like a tree with branches. Distribution of these branches varies and hence the lumpiness varies between the two breasts and in the same breast also. The texture of lumpiness varies from finely granular to nodular to grossly lumpy. Physiological lumpiness may vary with each menstrual cycle or it may be static. This condition is mostly associated with breast pain sometimes they are not painful. Normal breasts are usually nodular how much nodularity is felt also depends on the fat content of the breasts as well . Since maximum breast tissue is found in the upper outer quadrant of the beast hence it is common to encounter maximum nodularity or lumpiness in this area.

FIBROCYSTIC BREAST CHANGES

Fibrocystic breast changes are the most common type of benign (non cancerous) breast disease.

Patient complains of lumpy bumpy breasts that are often associated with pain. Rarely greenish nipple discharge may be associated with it. Many a times there are no symptoms.

Diagnosis is made by a careful examination by a breast specialist. A mammogram / ultrasound will help confirm the diagnosis also will help rule out cancer.

Treatment

Most of the ladies need reassurance. Breast awareness (breast self examination) will help the patient approach a doctor in case there are any changes in the breast. Intermittamt CBE (clinical breast examination ) by a breast specialist may also help. After understanding that it is a normal finding in the breast many ladies will not want any further treatment. Others may benefit from the following as per discretion of the doctor:

One can try a different breast support (bra)

Cut down caffeine / salt

Hot fomentation

Analgesics (pain kiler)

OCP (contraceptive pills)

Vit E

Evening primrose oil

GLA

Tamoxifen/ centchroman

Ahuja Clinic is a Breast Clinic where both doctors are Breast Specialists in Chandigarh . Dr Ruchi Rai Ahuja is a Gynaecologist with degree in breast and Dr Alok Ahuja is a Breast Surgeon in Chandigarh. Here all treatments for breast related problems are handled by experienced doctors.