Fibrocystic Breast Disease

By Alexander Mostovoy, H.D., D.H.M.S., B.C.C.B.

As a clinical breast thermographer I see more and more fibrocystic breast cases than any other abnormality of the breast. Cysts are likely to develop in women ages 30 to 50; however I am seeing this condition increasingly in younger and younger women. We have to ask the question: "what is contributing to the rise of this condition so early in life, and what would happen to these women over the years if they continue on this path and the condition is left unchecked?".

The symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) may range from mildly annoying in some women to extremely painful in others. The severity of these symptoms may vary from month to month in the same woman. Some women report that their breasts become so painful that they can't bear to touch them and will experience trouble sleeping at night due to the pain. The disease itself is not dangerous, but it does complicate breast self-examination since it is difficult to identify a new lump amongst existing ones. Consequently, the probing, squishing, x-raying and routine biopsies that many women experience due to the fibrocystic structure of their breasts may in fact result in more trauma and increase the risk of developing malignancy.

Many terms are used to describe breast conditions:

Fibroadenomas are tumors that form in the tissues outside the milk ducts. They generally feel smooth and firm, with a somewhat rubber-like texture. Typically a fibroadenoma is not attached to surrounding tissue, and will move slightly when touched. They are most commonly found in adolescents and women in their early 20's but can arise at any age.

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the breast. They probably develop as ducts become clogged with old cells in the process of normal emptying and filling. Cysts usually feel soft and round or oval. However, a cyst deep within the breast may feel hard, as it pushes up against firmer breast tissue. A woman with a cyst may experience pain, especially if it increases in size before her menstrual cycle, as many do.

Fibrocystic breast disease is a benign (non cancerous) condition characterized by round lumps that move freely within the breast tissue and generally expand and shrink with the onset and after menstrual cycle. It is estimated that as many as 40% of all women in North America have fibrocystic breast disease. Fibrocystic tissue usually presents with hypothermia (cooling) on a thermographic image.

A cancerous growth in the breast is often not tender and not freely movable when touched. During thermographic evaluation, high risk areas often present with an asymmetrically hot area along with considerable warming during functional challenge.

A number of other breast problems that are benign or non-cancerous may be placed under the heading of fibrocystic conditions. These include disorders that may lead to breast inflammation (mastitis), infection, nipple discharge, dilated milk ducts, milk-filled cysts, wart-like growth in the duct, and excess growth of fibrous tissue around the glands. Many women have had several invasive procedures over the years such as needle aspirations and biopsies to investigate these conditions.  One must ask if it is possible to prevent or even reverse this problem in the first place.

Fibrocystic disease should be treated with the understanding that it is a multifactorial problem that requires a multi-modal approach

Finding a lump in the breast will be a terrifying experience for some women; one should always consult with her healthcare practitioner and have the lump examined. Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition that can be managed given the proper approach. Patience and perseverance are key, though there are many options available, become proactive.  

Dr. Alexander Mostovoy is a Homeopathic Doctor and a Board Certified Clinical Thermographer specializing in women's health issues. He is widely regarded as one of Canada's leading authorities on homeopathic medicine and clinical thermography. He is the clinic director of Thermography Clinic Inc and consults exclusively to Clinical Thermography Limited in New Zealand. He can be contacted through www.drmostovoy.com.

This article is provided as an information paper from Dr Alexander Mostovoy. It is not a recommendation from Clinical Thermography Limited and any advice for treatment should be discussed with your preferred health professional.