Fibrocystic breast changes are the most common type of breast condition. Fibro refers to thickening of the tissue, and cystic refers to fluid filled sacs. Both of these conditions are caused by hormones acting upon the glandular tissue of the breast. Sixty to 70 percent of women develop these changes by age 50. After the menopause, fibrocystic changes decrease and nearly disappear.

The main complaints of women with fibrocystic changes are:
* painful breasts, especially before a period,
* lumpy breasts,
* increase in size of each breast, and
* a green to black colored liquid from the nipples.

Causes of the condition include:
* caffeine, as found in chocolate, colas, tea, and coffee, and
* hormonal problems, especially the changing levels found near menopause.

Women who have fibrocystic changes should remove caffeine containing foods and drinks from their diet for several months. If improvement is noticed, then a small amount may be retried. Some women need to remain caffeine-free all their life. Other things used to treat this problem include birth control pills, vitamin A and vitamin E, diuretics, and drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen.

Women who note a lump in their painful breasts should see their health care worker for testing. Women over the age of 35 may need a mammogram to make sure there is not a more serious problem. A needle sample of your lump may reveal simple fluid and make your lump get smaller. A larger sample or biopsy may be needed in some cases.

Fibrocystic changes do not cause cancer. These changes do make it difficult to examine your breasts. You may need help to understand your breasts so that you can perform regular breast self exams. Contact your healthcare provider for instruction on how to perform a breast self exam.

Another resource is the American Cancer Society. Contact the national organization at (800) 227-2345 or check with your local telephone book for the number of one of their local chapters located near you.

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