Fibrocystic breast masses are tissue growths inside the breasts that cause a lumpy appearance and are accompanied by pain and tenderness of the breasts. This is a very common condition and almost 1/3rd of the women population of reproductive age is known to have them. These masses are benign and hence not very dangerous. In most cases they disappear on their own after menopause.
Symptoms Of fibrocystic Breast Mass
Symptoms of fibrocystic breast mass are a lumpy and dense tissue formation, most often found on the upper part of the breast. There could be a greenish discharge that can come from the nipples in some cases. It can flare up during the menstrual days due to the hormone imbalance and over production of estrogen and progesterone hormones. They always subside after menstruation when the levels of hormone are normal again.
Menopause And Fibrocystic Breast Masses
Most women who have fibrocystic breast masses find that the lumps shrink and disappear once they attain menopause. This is because the estrogen and progesterone hormones are reduced which reduces the swelling and water retention as well. Breast masses are benign and almost always go away on their own, either after menopause or before that itself. Therefore there is no need of much concern when they appear. They are non cancerous as well.
How To Prevent Fibrocystic Breast Masses
Though there is no way that you can prevent the occurrence of a breast mass, there are few changes in your diet that might help you control it. Intake of saturated fat, salt and caffeinated products can be reduced to provide relief from the symptoms. These foods are known to increase water retention and create breast masses. At times birth control pills can help regulate the hormone fluctuation and reduce the breast masses to a great degree.
Also Read :
How To Treat Fibrocystic Breast Disease Through Diet
How To Check Your Breasts For Lumps?
What Are The Causes Of Breast Lumps
Different Types Of Breast Cancer
Fibrocystic Breast Masses During Menopause
As discussed above, breast masses that are present almost always shrink with menopause. Any lump formation on the breast after menopause should not be ignored as fibrocystic breast mass. Breast masses that are fibrocystic mostly slip away and move when you touch them. Make sure that you observe any lump that forms after menopause.
If the lump is hard and not painful along with an irregular shape, it will most probably be something else and not a breast mass. Check the lump formation with your palm and also look for glands that could be present under the armpits. Many women who undertake hormone replacement therapy during menopause are susceptible to breast cancer and breast masses. Therefore it is very important to check your breasts every day for lumps of any kind and report it to the doctor without fail.
Breast masses are very common and the three basic types of breast masses namely, fibro adenomas, fibrocystic lumps and papillomas are very common among young women. But if these masses appear suddenly after menopause or do not go away or keep growing after menopause, do not delay to consult a doctor and go for a mammogram or any other test recommended by your doctor to rule out complications.
