Fibrocystic Breast vs Cancer: Understanding the Difference
Fibrocystic breast and breast cancer are often confused by two similar appearing conditions.
The former is a benign condition characterized by lumpy and sometimes painful breasts.
Breast cancer, on the other hand, is a potentially life-threatening disease that requires immediate attention.
Fibrocystic breast is a common condition affecting around 70% of women, while breast cancer affects about 13% of women in their lifetime.
Understanding the differences between these two conditions allows for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management.
Read along to compare fibrocystic breast vs cancer and understand the contrasting characteristics.
Overview
Fibrocystic breast and breast cancer can be differentiated on the following factors,
| Factors | Fibrocystic Breast | Breast Cancer |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Benign | Malignant |
| Prevalence | More common | Less common |
| Age of occurrence | Typically affects women in childbearing age | Can occur at any age, but risk increases with age |
| Breast texture | Lumpy or nodular texture | Firm or hard texture |
| Pain | May cause breast pain or tenderness | Usually not associated with pain, but may cause discomfort |
| Mobility of lumps | Lumps can move within the breast tissue | Lumps may be fixed and immobile |
| Skin Changes | Rarely causes skin changes | May cause dimpling, redness, or puckering of the skin |
| Treatment | Does not require treatment in most cases | HRT, Chemotherapy, Medications |
Fibrocystic Breast and Breast Cancer: An introduction
Fibrocystic breasts are benign (noncancerous) conditions composed of tissue that feels lumpy or ropelike structures.
It is a diffuse condition which means fibrous nodules are spread throughout the breast leading to tender breasts.
Breast cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant (cancerous) condition when breast cells grow uncontrollably.
The abnormal cell growth may cause hard lumps in the breast and spread to other body parts through the bloodstream.
Is there a difference in their symptoms
Fibrocystic breast syndrome (Mammary dysplasia) and breast cancer are two different conditions that can have similar symptoms.
The former causes diffuse breast cysts or masses that can occur in both breasts.
It can lead to breast pain and tenderness which can worsen during the menstrual cycle, which is not observed in breast cancer.
These symptoms tend to be most bothersome just before menstruation and get better afterward.
In the case of Breast Cancer, the abnormal growth of cells can cause a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
It also changes the size or shape of the breast and can cause nipple discharge or inversion.
Fibrocystic change vs Inflammatory Breast cancer
Fibrocystic breast changes are harmless, while inflammatory breast cancer is a rare cancer that spreads quickly and causes the breast to become red, swollen, and inflamed.
Fibrocystic breast changes can cause breast lumps, while inflammatory breast cancer doesn’t usually cause lumps.
Inflammatory cancer can cause changes in breast skin, such as redness and dimpling, which is not common in the case of Fibrocystic breast.
Causes
Fibrocystic breast changes are caused by fluctuating levels of hormones, especially Estrogen, during the menstrual cycle.
They may get worse at the onset of the menstrual cycle and suppress as it ends.
It can also be caused due to unhealthy lifestyle practices, obesity, or the birth of a first child at a later age.
While breast cancer can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Diagnosis
Fibrocystic breast changes can usually be diagnosed through a clinical exam and a symptom history.
They may also do a breast exam and inquire about the dates of the last period.
On the other hand, Breast Cancer diagnosis is extensive and requires additional tests such as imaging.
Diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and MRIs are some of the additional tests used to diagnose breast cancer.
A biopsy can be used in both conditions to remove tissue or fluid from the breast for further testing.
Treatment
The treatment for Fibrocystic breast is mostly symptom-based, which may include adopting healthy lifestyle changes and dietary modification.
Doctors may prescribe NSAIDs like Brufen (Ibuprofen) to manage breast pain.
In some cases, hormone-regulating medications may be prescribed to help stabilize hormonal fluctuations and reduce symptoms.
The treatment for breast cancer depends on various factors, such as the cancer stage, tumor size, hormone receptor status, and the patient’s overall health.
Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, medications Altraz (Anastrozole) may be prescribed to block hormone receptors and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease and Cancer Risk
Fibrocystic breast changes do not increase the chance of getting breast cancer.
However, evidence shows that women with Fibrocystic breasts and a family history of breast cancer have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Also, Fibrocystic breasts can make it more difficult to detect potentially cancerous lumps.
It is important to note that any new breast growth should be evaluated promptly to rule out cancer and other serious health problems.
Conclusion
Fibrocystic breast and cancer are two completely different breast conditions.
While both cause lumps, they cause pain in the Fibrocystic breast and not in the case of breast cancer.
Both conditions require different strategies for their diagnosis and management.
Recognizing these differences helps individuals with early detection and effective management.
If you are experiencing any abnormality in the breast, consult your doctor for accurate treatment guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to tell the difference between fibrocystic breast and cancer?
Fibrocystic breast causes cysts throughout the breast, which may cause pain. In the case of breast cancer, the lumps are firm and do not cause pain in most cases. But, it may not be concluded physically. It is best to consult an expert for an accurate diagnosis of the conditions.
Can cancer be mistaken for fibrocystic breasts?
Yes, in some cases, breast cancer can be mistaken for fibrocystic breasts due to similar symptoms, such as breast lumps. However, a doctor may conduct further evaluation, including imaging tests and biopsies, to differentiate between the two conditions and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Can fibrocystic lumps turn into cancer?
No, fibrocystic lumps do not turn into breast cancer. In very rare cases the lumps might lead to metaplastic cancer. Hence, it’s important to closely monitor any new or changing lumps and consult your doctor if there are concerns or suspicious findings.
How do fibrocystic breasts feel vs breast cancer lumps?
Fibrocystic breasts typically feel lumpy or ropelike with multiple mobile, fluid-filled cysts. Breast cancer lumps, on the other hand, may feel firm, irregularly shaped, and often fixed to surrounding tissue. However, an expert evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis.
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