Most common benign breast disorder characterised by the presence of fibrous tissues and cysts in the breasts
Aetiology
Affects women between the ages of 20 and 50, most commonly affects women 40-50
Associated with menstrual abnormalities, early menarche and late menopause
Pathophysiology
Fibrotic breast disease is the result of the cumulative effect of cyclical hormones
The primary hormones involved are oestrogen and progesterone, among others, leading to changes in the breast tissue, including the formation of multiple small cysts with intervening fibrosis
Clinical features
May be asymptomatic - incidental finding, particularly in screening
Bilateral ‘lumpy’ breasts, most commonly in the upper outer quadrant
Breast pain
Symptoms that worsen with the menstrual cycle, typically peaking 1 week before menstruation
Investigations
Physical exam and mammogram/ultrasound/biopsy as required to exclude malignancy
Management
Often resolve or diminish after menopause - reassurance often enough