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$Title{Pain From Fiber Lumps in the Breasts}
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Pain From Fiber Lumps in the Breasts


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QUESTION:  After consulting my physician about the lumps in my breast that
grow painful with each cycle, I have been diagnosed as having fiber lumps in
both breasts.  Can you offer some suggestions on making the pain less intense?

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ANSWER:  You have fibrocystic breasts, which is a benign condition but one
that can be very uncomfortable.  Your physician has probably reassured you
that you don't have cancer, which is a relief, but it still leaves you with
breasts that are tender, lumpy and painful.
     The discomfort of fibrocystic breasts changes with your cycle because
your body tends to retain fluid just before your period starts and then gets
rid of the excess fluid afterwards.  The small cysts in your breast expand
with fluid and feel more tender as breast tissue is stretched.
     There are three steps you can take to relieve the discomfort:  you can
support your breasts better, take mild pain relievers, and reduce the amount
of fluid retention.  First, find a type of bra that fits you well and gives
extra support.  Wear one at night if you feel that it helps and always wear it
during exercise.
     Second, on days that you have more pain, take a mild analgesic, such as
plain aspirin or Tylenol.  Avoid pain relievers that contain caffeine.
     You may also try cutting caffeine and two other chemicals, theobromide
and theophylline, out of your diet.  Some women with fibrocystic breasts say
that this helps, though real scientific proof that this may be a cause is
lacking.  Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola beverages.
Theobromine is in chocolate and theophylline is a medication used to treat
asthma and bronchitis.
     Third, cut down on salt in your diet, especially in the two weeks before
your period.  Salt increases fluid retention.  Your physician may also offer
to prescribe a diuretic to help you get rid of excess fluid during these
painful episodes.
     Another most important procedure for you is the self-examination of your
breasts once a month, about 2 or 3 days before your period.  Most women with
fibrocystic breasts do not have an increased risk of cancer, but you have the
same risk as everyone else.  Careful breast exams will help to detect any
unusual lump at the earliest possible moment.
     Try these measures for a while and see if you get any relief.  If you
don't feel any reduction in the tenderness or pain, see your physician again.
There is a prescription drug called Danazol that may help a severe fibrocystic
condition, but it has side effects, including increased body hair growth and
loss of sex drive.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.