Print Overview Fibrocystic breast changes Enlarge image Close Fibrocystic breast changes Fibrocystic breast changes Fibrocystic breast changes lead to the development of fluid-filled round or oval sacs, called cysts. The cysts can make breasts feel tender, lumpy or ropy. They feel distinct from other breast tissue. Fibrocystic breasts are composed of tissue that feels lumpy or ropelike in texture. Doctors call this nodular or glandular breast tissue. It's not at all uncommon to have fibrocystic breasts or experience fibrocystic breast changes. 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 a disease. Breast changes that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle and have a ropelike texture are considered normal. Fibrocystic breast changes don't always cause symptoms. Some people experience breast pain, tenderness and lumpiness — especially in the upper, outer area of the breasts. Breast symptoms tend to be most bothersome just before menstruation and get better afterward. Simple self-care measures can usually relieve discomfort associated with fibrocystic breasts.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsSigns and symptoms of fibrocystic breasts may include: Breast lumps or areas of thickening that tend to blend into the surrounding breast tissue Generalized breast pain or tenderness or discomfort that involves the upper outer part of the breast Breast nodules or lumpy tissue change in size with the menstrual cycle Green or dark brown nonbloody nipple discharge that tends to leak without pressure or squeezing Breast changes that are similar in both breasts Monthly increase in breast pain or lumpiness from midcycle (ovulation) to just before your period and then gets better once your period starts Fibrocystic breast changes occur most often between 30 and 50 years of age. These changes happen rarely after menopause unless you're taking hormone replacement medicine such as estrogen or progesterone. When to see a doctorMost fibrocystic breast changes are normal. However, make an appointment with your doctor if: You find a new or persistent breast lump or area of prominent thickening or firmness of the breast tissue You have specific areas of continuous or worsening breast pain Breast changes persist after your period Your doctor evaluated a breast lump but now it seems to be bigger or otherwise changed Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Women’s health topics - straight to your inbox Get the latest information from our Mayo Clinic experts on women’s health topics, serious and complex conditions, wellness and more. Click to view a preview and subscribe below. 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Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Causes Breast anatomy Enlarge image Close Breast anatomy Breast anatomy Each breast contains 15 to 20 lobes of glandular tissue, arranged like the petals of a daisy. The lobes are further divided into smaller lobules that produce milk for breastfeeding. Small tubes, called ducts, conduct the milk to a reservoir that lies just beneath the nipple. The exact cause of fibrocystic breast changes isn't known, but experts suspect that reproductive hormones — especially estrogen — play a role. Fluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can cause breast discomfort and areas of lumpy breast tissue that feel tender, sore and swollen. Fibrocystic breast changes tend to be more bothersome before your menstrual period and ease up after your period begins. When examined under a microscope, fibrocystic breast tissue includes distinct components such as: Fluid-filled round or oval sacs (cysts) A prominence of scar-like fibrous tissue (fibrosis) Overgrowth of cells (hyperplasia) lining the milk ducts or milk-producing tissues (lobules) of the breast Enlarged breast lobules (adenosis) ComplicationsHaving fibrocystic breasts doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer. By Mayo Clinic Staff Fibrocystic breasts care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment April 04, 2023 Print Show references Ferri FF. Fibrocystic breast disease. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2021. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 23, 2021. Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 23, 2021. AskMayoExpert. Breast pain. Mayo Clinic; 2020. Mastalgia (breast pain). Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/breast-disorders/mastalgia-breast-pain. Accessed Jan. 23, 2021. Sabel MS. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of a palpable breast mass. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 23, 2021. Fibrosis and simple cysts in the breast. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions/fibrosis-and-simple-cysts-in-the-breast.html. Accessed Jan. 23, 2021. Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/breast-changes. Accessed Jan. 23, 2021. Cameron AM, et al. Evaluation of common breast complaints. In: Current Surgical Therapy. 13th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 23, 2021. Bland KI, et al., eds. Etiology and management of benign breast disease. In: The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 23, 2021. Vitamin E fact sheet for consumers. National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/. Accessed Jan. 23, 2021. Related Fibrocystic breast changes Associated Procedures Breast biopsy Breast self-exam for breast awareness Combination birth control pills Lumpectomy Mammogram Minipill (progestin-only birth control pill) Ultrasound Show more associated procedures Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Fibrocystic breastsSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Women’s health topics - straight to your inbox Get the latest information from our Mayo Clinic experts on women’s health topics, serious and complex conditions, wellness and more. Click to view a preview and subscribe below. Email Address 1 ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry