Question

A 34 year old female patient comes to the office to discuss resent onset of lumps on both of her breasts. She describes the lumps as tender and it feels worse right before menses. Upon examination, the breast lumps are tender to the touch, rubbery, and mobile. The patient has no other complaints. What is the likely diagnosis?

a. Breast tumor
b. Fibrocystic breasts
c. Polycystic ovary syndrome
d. Pregnancy

Answer 1

The patient with tender, rubbery, and mobile lumps in her breasts that worsen before menses likely has fibrocystic breasts, a condition linked to menstrual cycle hormonal changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely diagnosis for a 34-year-old female patient with tender, rubbery, and mobile lumps in both breasts that worsen before menses is fibrocystic breasts. This condition is associated with the normal hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and can cause tenderness and lumpiness in the breasts, typically during the secretory phase when levels of estrogen and progesterone change. Breast self-exams are important because they can help detect breast cancer early, which can improve the outcome of the treatment. While a breast tumor, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and pregnancy can also affect the breasts, the symptoms described are most indicative of fibrocystic changes. In the case of PCOS or pregnancy, additional symptoms or changes such as irregular periods, acne, excess facial hair, or enlargement of the breasts due to hormonal changes would be expected.