Breast lumps

[tekidd]

I am 25 and have fibrocystic breasts.I also have dark brown discharge.I have had a mammogram and sonogram.All they show are cysts.I want to know if these can turn into cancer.I have had this for 2 years and they say everything is negative.I can have them removed or deal with them.I get scared when the discharge gets darker.Is there anything to worry about?

[Uole]

A related discussion, Pills and breast lumps was started.

[tekidd]

Thank you!

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Tekidd: Having fibrocystic breasts does not increase your risk for developing breast cancer. Cysts do not turn into cancer.  However, new lumps or changes should be checked out to make sure that it is a cyst.

Nipple discharge is most often from benign (not cancer)conditions. Some women are more prone to more discharge including women on; birth control pills, certain blood pressure medications or on major tranquilizers. These medications increase prolactin levels in the body. There is also certain life periods when a person is more likely to get discharge than others: there may be more discharge at puberty and at menopause than the years in-between.  The discharge can come in a variety of colors