Aspects of fibrocystic disease of the breast. Treatment with danazol.

The differing aspects of fibrocystic disease are presented. The various histological components making up the breast account for the variegated presentation of symptoms and findings. Pain, tenderness and nodularity represent the greatest problem with the former two prompting the patient to seek relief. The latter symptom, nodularity, causes concern for patient and physician as such changes must be distinguished from those of carcinoma of the breast. Guidelines for and consideration of premalignant benign changes are briefly presented. Data from a clinical trial of danazol for the patients with fibrocystic disease are presented. The drug was highly effective in affording relief from pain and tenderness. Some diminution in nodularity was also seen. The impact of this drug on the problems associated with fibrocystic disease of the breast is discussed.