What is fibrocystic mastopathy?

Fibrocystic mastopathy is the name given to a nodular proliferation of the breast and connective tissue. Fibrocystic mastopathy is therefore a benign breast disease that is harmless in itself. In addition to the formation of lumps, it can also lead to harmless cyst formation. In most cases, fibrocystic mastopathy affects both breasts and is stimulated by the body's own hormones, which is why women before the menopause, aged between 30 and 55, are more likely than average to develop the disease.

What are the different forms of fibrocystic mastopathy?

Doctors differentiate fibrocystic mastopathy into the following three degrees of severity:

• Mastopathy grade I: includes a slight increase in connective tissue and the formation of only a few cysts.
• Mastopathy grade II: the normal tissue in the milk ducts is increased and results in the formation of small nodules, scars and narrowed milk ducts.
• Mastopathy grade III: the glandular cells in the area of the milk ducts are significantly increased (hyperplasia).

What symptoms can be caused by fibrocystic mastopathy?

The term fibrocystic refers on the one hand to the increased formation of connective tissue in the breast (fibrosis), which may even appear as a scarred structure. On the other hand, cysts also develop, i.e. fluid-filled cavities in the tissue which, depending on their size, can also be felt as lumps. Women who suffer from fibrocystic mastopathy often complain of painful breasts. These complaints can increase in intensity, especially before the period.

How is fibrocystic mastopathy diagnosed?

Fibrocystic mastopathy can be diagnosed not only by a thorough palpation by the gynaecologist but also by the usual imaging methods. In addition to ultrasound examinations, this also includes mammography, for example. In some cases, a biopsy can also be taken to make sure that it is not cancer.

How is fibrocystic mastopathy treated?

In fibrocystic mastopathy, the breast is usually riddled with many small lumps that can appear in different places and usually go away on their own. It is rare for the lumps to be removed surgically. More common is treatment with hormone gel and/or herbal medicines. These include evening primrose oil or monk's pepper. However, anti-hormone therapy can also alleviate the symptoms in many women. It is advisable to have a fibrocystic mastopathy checked regularly in order to detect changes that could indicate cancer at an early stage.

Fibrocystic mastopathy frequencies