All About Fibrocystic Breast Changes

5. Diagnosing Fibrocystic Breast Changes with Imaging Tests

If a doctor is unsure whether a woman's lump is due to fibrocystic breast changes or something more serious, she may order an ultrasound or a mammogram to examine the lump more closely. In an ultrasound, sound waves produce images of the breast. This test is most effective for women under the age of 30 because it best shows the dense breast tissue common to younger women. An ultrasound can help determine whether a lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst. The woman may also require a mammogram, an x-ray that focuses on a specific area of the breast.