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fibrocystic

fibrocystic

1 8.8
Having both firm tissue and small lumps filled with fluid often in the breast
  • adjective
  • /ˌfaɪbroʊˈsɪstɪk/
  • Specialized
: fibroquístico
  • The ultrasound revealed fibrocystic areas in the breast that the doctor explained were common and benign.
  • fibrocystic breasts
  • fibrocystic changes
  • fibrocystic disease

So iodine deficiency is a very common cause of breast pain and of fibrocystic breast disease.

Examples

  • Women with fibrocystic breasts often experience discomfort that fluctuates with their menstrual cycle.

  • Breast pain, fibrocystic breast disease, these things can come from a low thyroid.

  • I have always had very fibrocystic breasts and major seasonal allergies.

    Blog text (27)
  • So iodine deficiency is a very common cause of breast pain and of fibrocystic breast disease.

  • Accordingly, breast mastalgia, fibrocystic changes, and menses are uncommon.

    Academic text (2007)
  • I was told in no uncertain terms by my oncologist (I am a survivor of Malignant Histiocytosis) that I should give up green tea and diet sodas as they were aggravating the fibrocystic condition of my left breast.

    Blog text (8)
  • During the examination, the doctor noted that the patient's symptoms were typical of fibrocystic changes in breast tissue.

Compounds

1 3.3

A non-cancerous breast condition with small fluid lumps and firm areas that can be painful

A breast condition with small fluid-filled lumps and firm tissue that is not cancer and may cause pain

An inherited illness that makes thick mucus and causes breathing and digestion problems

How Cystic

cystic
  • Specialized
19 7.2
fibrocystic
  • Specialized
1 8.8
solid
224 1.0

Surface Forms

fibrocystic positive

Morphology

fibrocystic = cystic (semi-transparent) = fibro + cyst + ic

The word is compositionally built from 'fibro-' (fibrous) + 'cystic' (relating to cysts), but both are medical terms so the meaning may not be obvious to a general B1 learner.

Etymology

Fibrocystic combines fibro- ('fiber', meaning thread-like or firm tissue) and -cystic from cyst ('a small sac or pocket of fluid'), and a helpful way to remember it is to think of firm threads with little pockets, so fibrocystic describes tissue that has both fibrous parts and small fluid-filled pockets, which is why doctors use the word for certain breast changes.