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A woman who has fibrocystic breast disease has movable, well-defined nodules in her breasts.
She is probably pre-menopausal and may be experiencing a heavy or aching sensation in her breasts. This sensation may be intermittent (for example, beginning shortly before her menstrual period and ending shortly after) or chronic. It may be so severe that she cannot tolerate breast stimulation or sleep without a bra.
To differentiate fibrocystic breast disease from breast tumors, the health care provider may perform diagnostic tests, such as mammography. If the cysts are fluid-filled, she/he may aspirate fluid from the cyst either as a diagnostic procedure or to treat the condition.
Fluid from newly formed cysts is usually yellow. Fluid from older cysts varies from green-gray to black. Blood-tinged fluid suggests cancer.
Suppose the health care provider aspirates bloody fluid. Because cyst fluid rarely contains enough cells for accurate analysis, the health care provider will try to aspirate cyst wall cells. To do so, the practitioner will insert the syringe deeper into the cyst and pull back forcefully on the plunger. Then the practitioner will spread these cells on a prepared slide and send the labeled slide to the lab for analysis.
To treat fibrocystic breast disease, the health care provider may recommend fluid aspiration with a needle or surgical excision. Or, if discomfort is slight, she/he may recommend no immediate treatment.
If you are caring for someone with fibrocystic breast disease, you can help them by following these guidelines:
- Explain what cysts are, the type of discomfort they may cause, and any treatment the health care provider selects.
- If the health care provider does not select any immediate treatment, explain to your client/family member the importance of closely observing the cysts. Teach her how to examine her breasts, then give her instructions for home care aid. Also, if her cysts are fluid-filled, teach her to recognize signs of cyst rupture, such as breast swelling and inflammation.
- Instruct her to avoid foods and drugs containing methylxanthines - such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and cola - as well as some types of aspirin, over-the-counter sleeping aids, appetite suppressants, and prescription analgesics. Also, tell her to avoid theophylline drugs, such as Slo-Phyllin or Elixophyllin (commonly used to treat asthma).
- If the health care provider decides to use a needle to drain liquid from a swollen cyst, warn your client that the procedure may be uncomfortable. But assure her that the discomfort will last only a short time.
- If she/he decides to excise a cyst, monitor her for fever, tachypnea (rapid breathing), or hypertension (high blood pressure). If present, notify the health care provider.
- Post-operatively, encourage upper arm and shoulder movement.
- Provide emotional support. Offer appropriate reassurance if the client/family member fears cancer.
- Explain that a recurrence is possible.
- If the health care provider has performed a cyst aspiration, inform your client that mammography results obtained within 2 weeks after surgery may be false-positive.
- Be sure your client/family member understands that hormones may contribute to fibrocystic breast disease. If she is taking birth control pills or other hormonally-based contraceptive, suggest that she consider another non-hormonal birth control method.
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Fibrocystic Breast Changes
MOONDRAGON'S BREAST CANCER & BREAST SURGERY LINKS
Learning About Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Information
Understanding Breast Tumor Staging
Learning About Breast Surgery
Mastectomy Information
Partial Mastectomy Information
Familiarizing Yourself With Diagnostic Techniques
Guide To Types of Mastectomies
Patient Preparation For A Mastectomy
Mastectomy Care After Surgery
Selecting A Prosthesis
Applying An Arm Sleeve and Gauntlet
Preventing Complications After A Mastectomy
Learning About Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Information
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