Which one of the following is sometimes described as nodular, sensitive breasts?

• A. Mastitis
• B. Fibrocystic breast disease
• C. Breast cancer
• D. Fibroadenoma

Answer: (B)

Fibrocystic breast disease is characterized by the presence of nodular, sensitive breast tissue, often associated with cyclic changes in breast pain and tenderness that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. This condition reflects natural hormonal fluctuations, leading to the development of fluid-filled cysts and fibrous tissue in the breasts, resulting in lumpiness and sensitivity.

Patients with fibrocystic breast disease may experience discomfort and changes in breast texture, leading to a palpable nodular feeling. This benign condition is relatively common among women of reproductive age and can sometimes cause anxiety because of its lump-like presentations, but it is important to note that it is not cancerous and does not pose significant health risks.

In contrast, options like mastitis, breast cancer, and fibroadenoma present with different clinical features. Mastitis generally involves inflammation and infection, typically seen in breastfeeding women, and is characterized more by pain and redness rather than nodularity. Breast cancer might present with a fixed mass or irregularities in breast tissue but does not typically manifest as the nodular, cyclical sensitivity seen in fibrocystic changes. Fibroadenoma, on the other hand, refers to a specific benign tumor of the breast that can be well-defined and mobile, rather than the diffuse nod