About this topic
Fibrocystic breast changes are not cancer. The changes in the breast may be caused by hormonal changes and can be affected by your menstrual cycle. The cause is not fully known. Fibrocystic breast changes may include: ‚
- Breast lumps
- Cysts
- Fluid coming from the nipples
Changes may be found in some parts of one breast or both of your breasts. Fibrocystic breast changes do not increase your chance of having breast cancer but make detection of real changes harder. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Wear a supportive bra during physical activities and exercise.
- Do monthly self-breast exams. The best time to do your exam is right after your menstrual period.
- Talk to your doctor if you see and feel changes in your breasts.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Ask your doctor about a mammogram test.
Will physical activity be limited?
You will not have to limit your physical activity. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Limit caffeine-containing drinks like coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Results of a breast exam and mammogram may be hard to interpret
- Size or shape of the breast could changed
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Clear, milky, yellow, or bloody secretions from your nipples
- Bad breast pain
- Lump changes in some way
- New lumps are found
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my breasts.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have secretions from my nipples, breast pain, or changes to the lumps in my breasts.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/health-tools/search-by-symptom/breast-problems-women.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚