"Fibrocystic breast change" is a broad term referring to breast lumpiness. It can involve symptoms and conditions encompassing a spectrum of breast conditions and usually includes cysts and fibroadenomas.

Fibrosis is the formation of scar-like tissue and may cause breast swelling, pain, and lumpiness. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that feel like lumps and can enlarge and feel tender prior to the menstrual cycle. They also occur in women on hormone replacement therapy, and are more frequent as age progesses, but decrease in development after menopause.

Lumpiness in the breast can vary from day-to-day. Up to one-third of women ages 35 to 50 have cysts; most are too small to feel and can be detected only by diagnostic studies.

It is important to understand the consistency of your breasts and observe changes so suspicious changes can be evaluated by your physician.