Next time you think about grabbing a soda from the vending machine, you might want to hold off. Caffeine may contribute to breast lumps, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and MedlinePlus. Certain types of breast lumps may be caused or become worse in women who consume caffeine, especially large amounts of caffeine.
Caffeine
Caffeine may contribute to benign, or non-cancerous, breast lumps such as fibrocystic masses. The ACS and MedlinePlus report that women who limit or avoid their caffeine intake may experience improved symptoms in regards to fibrocystic masses. There is no definitive scientific cause of fibrocystic lumps, but some physicians and even some women feel that caffeine may contribute to breast lumps. Caffeine is not believed to have a significant impact on fibrocystic breast lumps, but the ACS notes that avoiding caffeine is worth a try to help limit symptoms and improve your condition.
Fibrocystic Breasts
Fibrocystic breast disease is a common medical term, according to MedlinePlus, that describes painful, lumpy breasts. Even though the term disease is in the title of the diagnosis, it does not mean you have an actual disease, and some health care professionals may use a slightly different term such as fibrocystic change so that patients do not become alarmed or worried about their health. During your menstrual cycle, the hormones made by your ovaries affect your breasts. These particular hormones can cause your breasts to feel painful, swollen and lumpy. This condition usually subsides after menopause.
Symptoms
If you suffer from fibrocystic changes, you may notice that you feel pain or discomfort in both of your breasts. The pain may come and go or it can last your entire cycle, according to MedlinePlus. During your menstrual cycle, your breasts might feel heavy, swollen and full. The symptoms may also extend from your breasts to your armpits. If you palpate your breasts regularly, you might notice that a lump is always in the same place and it may become larger just before your menstrual cycle and shrink afterward. If you try to push or move the lump, it will move and will not feel attached to anything or stuck.
Exams and Testing
If you notice any lumps or bumps of any kind, do not hesitate to inform your health care provider. While some breast lumps are non-cancerous, others are not. Your physician can perform a physical examination of your breasts and perform a mammogram screening. If the lumps concern your physician, he may recommend or perform an ultrasound to determine whether or not the lumps are solid or fluid-filled.
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