What are Fibrocystic breast lumps? They are fibrous components that are the supporting ligaments of the breast. The cystic component relates to the milk ducts and the milk producing units. According to Dr. Melissa O’Toole, medical director of the Memorial Hermann Southest Hospital Breast Center, “When a woman gets a cyst, it’s just a weak spot in the ducts. It pouches out and sometimes it’s very dramatic – cysts the size of golf balls.”
Breast Lumps
Large or bothersome cysts can be treated with needle aspiration. The fluid is drawn out, and the cyst collapses. Mammograms show whether or not there’s a mass in the breast, and more importantly the shape of it, and what the border looks like. Ultrasound determines if a mass is fluid filled, indicating a cyst; or solid, indicating a tumor – which may be fibroadenoma, a benign mass.
Melanie Meyer, a naturopathic doctor offers these suggestions to prevent and ease the symptoms of fibrocystic breasts:
1. Avoid caffeine, including black tea, coffee, cola and chocolate.
2. Increase seafood and seaweed intake.
3. Vitamin E 400 IU twice daily.
