Fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM) is one of the most common benign diseases of the mammary gland (MG) in women of reproductive age. Timely diagnosis of FCM allows for the detection of pathological changes at an early stage and the prevention of possible complications. In the presence of any complaint from the MG, it is necessary to analyze each symptom in detail over time. A physical examination with visual inspection and palpation of the mammary glands allows us to assess the structure and tenderness of the glandular tissues, detect lumps and specify their localization, borders and mobility, the condition of the regional lymph nodes, the presence of discharge from the nipples. Modern instrumental diagnostics of FCM includes the use of radiological diagnostics. Ultrasound examination (US) allows us to specify the diagnosis and form of FCM (diffuse, nodular), the components of the mammary gland tissue, the Cooper's ligaments, the retro-mammary tissue, the size and condition of the mammary ducts, the presence of lumps. The ultrasound allows to detect both benign and malignant tumors of the MG, to diagnose the type and size of cysts. A great advantage of the method is the possibility of carrying out under the ultrasound control of the targeted puncture biopsy of the MG formations. Mammography (MMG) is one of the main methods of FCM diagnostics and makes it possible to assess the structure, density and severity of the tissues, to detect the presence of cysts, calcifications, seals, areas of adenosis. MMG with contrasting – contrasting dual-energy spectral mammography – significantly increases the informativeness of MMG, provides an opportunity to detect neoplasms at an early stage of development. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of choice in difficult situations for the purpose of differential diagnostics of MG formations. Laboratory diagnostics of FCM is carried out in case of suspicion or presence of signs of breast pathology and includes general (clinical and biochemical blood tests) and special (determination of hormones and cancer markers) tests. Morphological examination includes histological and cytological examination of the material: punctate in case of localized FCM and smears-prints of nipple discharge. Thus, modern comprehensive diagnostics allows for timely and objective diagnosis of FCM, effective therapy, and adequate dynamic monitoring.
Guseynov et al. (2026) studied this question.