Fibrocystic breasts

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Definition

Fibrocystic breasts are composed of tissue that feels ropy, lumpy or bumpy in texture. Doctors call this "nodular" or "glandular" breast tissue.

It's not at all uncommon to have fibrocystic breasts. More than half of women experience fibrocystic breast changes at some point in their lives. In fact, medical professionals have stopped using the term "fibrocystic breast disease" and now simply refer to "fibrocystic breasts" or "fibrocystic breast changes" because having fibrocystic breasts isn't really a disease at all.

Although the breast changes categorized as "fibrocystic breasts" are normal, they can cause breast pain and tenderness. Simple self-care measures can usually alleviate discomfort associated with fibrocystic breasts.

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Symptoms