Fibrocystic Changes on Breast Ultrasound

IMAGING FINDINGS: ​

​Selected ultrasound images show multiple simple cysts scattered throughout the breasts bilaterally. There is a background of dense fibroglandular tissue.

WHY IT MATTERS:

1. Fibrocystic changes (FCC) are a heterogenous group of abnormalities and/or normal variants that occur in the breast including fibrosis, cysts, apocrine metaplasia, adenosis and hyperplasia. It can be found, to some degree, in 50 – 90% of women. 
2. Fibrocystic change can be divided into non-proliferative or proliferative.  There is a slight increased risk of developing breast cancer with proliferative fibrocystic change.
3. The most common imaging findings include simple cysts, dense fibroglandular tissue and scattered benign calcifications. 

FURTHER READING:
Complex Cystic Breast Masses: Diagnostic Approach and ImagingPathologic Correlation (RadioGraphics 2007)