Breast Disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Home Breast Disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Breast Disorders: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 32-year-old female presents to the clinic complaining of painful sensitive breasts. The pain tends to worsen in a cyclical pattern and occurs near the start of menstruation. The patient denies fever, chills, weight loss, nipple discharge, and any other symptoms. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

a. Fibrocystic changes
b. Fibroadenoma
c. Mastitis
d. Inflammatory breast cancer
e. Breast abscesses

Answer and topic summary

The answer is A. Fibrocystic changes

Fibrocystic changes (FCC) refers to benign, histologic, and clinical findings of the breast. It usually affects women between 25 and 50 years. The most common symptoms are cyclic pain, breast tenderness, swelling, and fullness. On physical exam, the breast tissue may feel dense with areas of thicker tissue having an irregular or nodular surface. Evaluation should focus on excluding breast cancer (e.g., ultrasound, mammogram, fine-needle aspiration, etc). Treatment includes cool compresses, wearing supportive bras, reducing tea/chocolate/caffeine, and NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen). OCPs can also be used to help diminish symptoms.

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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Reproductive System ⇒ Breast Disorders (PEARLS) ⇒ Fibrocystic disease

Also covered as part of the Women's Health PAEA EOR topic list