What characteristic of a lump in the breast indicates it may be typical of fibrocystic breast disease?

A lump in the breast that is round and movable is characteristic of fibrocystic breast disease. This condition often presents with lumps that can be described as cystic, implying they are fluid-filled sacs that can fluctuate in size and feel movable during a physical exam. The presence of mobility and a rounded shape suggests that the lump is benign and related to the cyclic changes in breast tissue associated with hormonal fluctuations, which is typical in fibrocystic breast changes.

In contrast, lumps that are hard, fixed, or exhibit irregular and firm characteristics could potentially raise concerns for malignancy or other serious conditions. Additionally, while tenderness can occur with fibrocystic changes, the more distinctive features of this condition lie in the softness, roundness, and mobility of the lumps rather than being uniformly painful. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for differentiating fibrocystic changes from more concerning breast pathologies.