How many of you have Fibrocysic Breasts with no problems? - Cancer: Breast Message Board

singer1 · 02-28-2005, 09:51 PM

I know that fibrocysic breast condition is VERY common in women. There are some scarey stories on here and I would like to know of all who has this condition with no problems and what your doctor has said to make you trust the "nothing to worry about" diagnosis. Thank y'all!

Josie115 · 03-01-2005, 08:07 AM

Singer1, let me share an interesting experience. I was dx with fibrocystic breasts. After a few mammograms and exams (including self exam) I could feel the lumps. They did send me to a breast surgeon and she felt around, looked at the x-rays and said " you have lumpy breasts...just like me". She also said nothing to worry about! Ok, so my aunt gets breast cancer and me being diabetic and usually pretty good about my annual physicals and mammograms, I have always been followed-up well and other than getting an early uterine cancer, have been fine. I just heard a few months ago that the breast surgeon was finally dx. with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. I guess the message... just do your yearly mamos and learn your body and trust your instincts. No guarantees that cystic breats don't get cancer. Just be a good patient and do your follow-ups.

reijo · 03-01-2005, 06:32 PM

Singer1, I am 56 years old and have had fibrocystic breasts for at least 30 years. I noticed my first "lump/cyst" when I was 26. I panicked!!!! I had a baseline mammogram then. It was nothing and I have been thru many since then that have been nothing.

My doctor told me that unfortunately I had "lumpy" breasts and that a palpation that he could do was not a good test due to the inconsistencies. He said that the only way to be sure was with a mammogram. I have had annual mammograms since I turned 40 (I believe) but had a couple between age 26 and 40. Have also had several ultrasounds. The only was you can be sure is to have this test. I can't even tell much thru monthly exams myself because they're lumpy and I ALWAYS feel something new.

I was just called back in this past Monday to have a diagnostic mammogram done because of "structure" changes that had shown up. Thankfully all was okay.

If you are concerned and if there is a breast care specialist in your city, you might want to go to that doctor for a second opinion whan one warrants.

singer1 · 03-02-2005, 06:56 AM

WOW! I can not believe that so many doctors and facilities take women who have "lumpy breasts" so lightly!! I would think that each woman that came in with "lumpy breasts" that they would take every step to make sure that it was really nothing at all to cover their butts! No wonder malpractice insurance for these doctors are so high! Maybe someone is trying to tell them to really take time with their people and to get every possible test done to make sure they aren't in the line of fire of being sued! No wonder I have zero trust for doctors!!!!!

reijo · 03-02-2005, 11:55 AM

You're right. But.....the key is to have a doctor who RECOGNIZES that you have "problem breasts" and says that while he can't tell much that you absolutely need to have mammograms and/or ultrasounds EACH and every year or more often if you find something abnormal. Some doctors, I understand, just attempt to determine by "feel" whether or not you are okay.

NOT GOOD! Get the mammogram each year.