Fact-sheet: Fibrocystic breast disease


Updated on 09/06/2023 at 5:12 PM

Note : 10/10 ( 1 note )
Share

View all RADEOS cases associated with this fact-sheet

Definition

Histologic variations of the normal breast with the stages of reproductive life and the menstrual cycle, related to endogenous and exogenous hormones responsible for exaggeration of physiologic phenomena and fibrocystic changes

Elementary lesions:

  • Cyst: dilation of the terminal portion of the lactiferous duct within the lobule
  • Hyperplasia: multiplication of epithelial cell layers and cells (> 4 layers)
  • Simple hyperplasia: epithelial and myoepithelial compartment
  • Global hyperplasia: epithelial, myoepithelial compartment and mantle tissue
  • Metaplasia: morphologic transformation of cells (apocrine = apocrine sweat gland cell) (columnar)
  • Adenosis: global lobular hyperplasia with an increase in the number and size of acini

Clinical features

  • Mastalgia
  • Induration, occasionally a palpable mass

Ultrasound

  • Non-mass-like enhancing area, with the presence of cysts, which may appear hard on elastography.

MRI

  • After gadolinium injection: ring enhancement
  • T2: possible hyperintensity of the lesion center

These abnormalities may resolve on follow-up MRI.

Management

In the setting of significant cancer risk factors or asymmetric enhancement, biopsy or follow-up may be considered.