Fibrocystic Disease of the Breast — A Nondisease?

Abstract

Is fibrocystic disease really a distinct entity? Is it a diagnosis that can be made clinically or histologically? Does this designation imply an increased risk of breast cancer? Should we attempt to treat it? Davis et al.¹ examined these questions in 1964 and recognized a small increase in the risk of cancer in patients with fibrocystic disease, but a recent evaluation has not been carried out. This paper is an attempt to review critically the relevant literature since 1964 and to shed some light on these pressing and common questions.Clinical Definitions of Fibrocystic DiseaseScanlon defines fibrocystic disease, from . . .