Pain and changes in breast appearance

Fibrocystic breast changes is a condition of the breasts where there may be pain , breast cysts , and breast masses. Risk factors include an early age at first menstrual period and either having children late or not having children. Management may involve education about the condition, a well fitting bra , and pain medication. The changes in fibrocystic breast disease are characterised by the appearance of fibrous tissue and a lumpy, cobblestone texture in the breasts. These lumps are smooth with defined edges, and are usually free-moving in regard to adjacent structures. The lumps can sometimes be obscured by irregularities in the breast that are associated with the condition.

Some women have a large amount of breast tissue, and therefore, have large breasts. Other women have a smaller amount of tissue with little breast fat. Usually, one breast is slightly larger or smaller, higher or lower, or shaped differently than the other. The size and characteristics of the nipple also vary greater from one woman to another.

You may have a vague feeling of tenderness or a dull ache or instead suffer from constant throbbing pain or sharp stabbing pain. Episodes of breast pain may come on a regular schedule, may happen only once, or may endure for long periods of time. It may occur in only one breast unilateral or in both bilateral.

By Vicki MacLean, N. Tingling, burning, zinging, tender — these are just some of the words my patients use to describe breast pain, a common condition in women of all ages. By the time they come to see me in my Melrose office, most women have had breast pain for a month or two.