Which breast mass disorder is common in premenopausal women?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Fibrocystic change is a common breast mass disorder observed predominantly in premenopausal women. It is characterized by the presence of breast pain, tenderness, and palpable lumps that are often bilateral. The condition arises from hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle, leading to changes in the breast tissue such as the formation of cysts, fibrosis, and glandular hyperplasia.

Fibrocystic changes are usually benign and can fluctuate with changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Women often report increased symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The condition is thought to result from an exaggerated response of the breast tissue to hormonal stimulation, making it particularly relevant for premenopausal women who experience these cyclical hormonal changes.

In contrast, invasive ductal carcinoma is more commonly found in postmenopausal women, breast abscesses typically occur in lactating women or individuals with certain infections, and cystic hyperplasia is less well-defined in this context and not as commonly discussed in the framework of breast masses. Thus, the predominance of fibrocystic changes in premenopausal women makes it the correct answer.

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