fibrocystic

[ fahy-broh-sis-tik ]

adjective

1. showing or having the increased fibrosis associated with dilated glandular structure, as in the breast nodules of fibrocystic disease.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fibrocystic¹

First recorded in 1850–55; fibro- + cystic

Example Sentences

Fibrocystic or dense breasts raise a woman’s risk of developing cancer, when compared with fatty breasts.

From Washington Post

While these “phytoestrogens” are not as bad as synthetic chemicals, women who are plagued with PMS, fibrocystic disease and water retention, or who are at risk for breast cancer and men who do not want to be feminized may want to use them moderately.

From Salon

Lentils embedded in rubber were particularly good for mimicking fibrocystic breast changes, a noncancerous condition, and she melted plastic to imitate cysts or thickened tissue.

From Slate

In a first-person narrative, she said that she began screening in her mid-30s because she had fibrocystic breast disease.

From New York Times

Fibrocystic breast disease does not predict cancer, though distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors can be difficult, increasing the potential for unnecessary biopsies.

From New York Times