Fibrocystic breasts

Would a fibrocystic condition show on an ultrasound and mammogram? Or would they come back fine and only be diagnosed by the doctor by doing a physical exam?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear jaydee_936:  What is commonly called fibrocystic breasts may actually appear as dense breast tissue on mammogram - common for younger women. It also may feel "ropey" on examination. If the breasts are cystic (there are fluid filled cysts), this would show best on ultrasound.

[surgeon]

in one sense, it's a sort of general diagnosis, based on symptoms and to some extent on exam. The only way to diagnose it unequivocally is by biopsy. Mammogram cannot make a specific diagnosis of fibrocystic breast conditon; ultrasound can diagnose cysts; having them more or less by definition says there is fibrocystic condition, altho it's not impossible to have the occasional cyst without having extensive fibrocystic change on biopsy. The term is often used a bit loosely, to describe women with generally lumpy and tender breasts, especially when the lumpiness and tenderness increases premenstrually.

[mysugarmomma]

A related discussion, Painful fibroids was started.

[Buddy1008]

Hi. I was just at the doctor and he said I had fibercystic breasts. I do have a small pea sized round, smooth bump on about the lower/middle of my right breast. I am Getting a ultrasound done on Friday. I am scared because I have a 5 month baby. I was told to put warm compresses on and he would see me next week. It only hurts a little bit when I touch it. But it does take a bit to fond it when exaiming my breast

[Buddy1008]

A related discussion, breast lump was started.