fibrocystic disease of the breast /-sis″tik/ [L, fibra + Gk, kystis, bag] , the presence of single or multiple cysts that are palpable in the breasts. The cysts are benign and fairly common, yet must be considered potentially malignant and observed carefully for growth or change. The client may report unilateral or bilateral breast pain and tenderness that frequently begin 7 to 10 days before menses and resolve as the menses progresses. The cysts can be aspirated and a biopsy performed. In most cases no treatment is required. Decreasing caffeine in the diet and taking supplemental vitamin E have been effective in helping to alleviate breast tenderness. Women should be taught how to perform frequent breast examinations. A woman is shown any cysts present and is taught palpation, and the importance of any change is emphasized. Reassurance should also be given that the condition is very common and generally not associated with cancer. Only about 5% of fibrocystic conditions could be considered a risk factor for later development of cancer. Also called chronic cystic mastitis. See also cystic fibrosis.
