Fibrocystic change of breast (Q44823)

A condition characterised by changes to the breast tissue leading to benign, noncancerous lesions in the breast. These conditions may be associated with small or large cyst formation, hyperplasia of the ductal epithelium, apocrine metaplasia of the ductal cells, papillomatosis, duct ectasia, sclerosing adenosis, or fibrosis of the stroma. This condition may also present with breast pain, thickening of breast tissue, or nipple discharge that worsen prior to menstruation, or may be asymptomatic. Confirmation is by clinical breast exam, followed by mammography or ultrasonography to distinguish between abnormal tissue.