The Value of Danazol in the Conservative Treatment and Long-Term Control of Fibrocystic Disease of the Breast

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Fibrocystic breast disease is the most common benign breast condition worldwide. Because of the recurrence and bilateral occurrence reported results, surgical excision is being avoided unless histopathological evidence of potential malignancy exists. Multiple medical treatment options had been introduced, and one the most commonly used is Danazol. In our paper, we aim to evaluate the results of Danazol treatment and control of fibrocystic breast disease in the Saudi Arabian females. Materials and Methods: The treatment outcome of 382 Saudi Arabian female patients who were diagnosed to have a fibrocystic disease of the breast and treated by Danazol between January 2001 and December 2010 was retrospectively analyzed from a computerized database protocol file. The treatment protocol was designed as follows: 3 months cycle of 200 mg oral Danazol once daily in the morning, followed by ultrasound evaluation, and repeating the same protocol until complete disappearance of the cysts. Results: The patients were classified depending on ultrasound result into four groups: Group 1: Single cyst, unilateral breast. Group 2: Multiple cysts, unilateral breast. Group 3: Single cyst, bilateral breast. Group 4: Multiple cysts, bilateral breast. The success rate of Danazol treatment was 100%, with 0% recurrence rate after five years follow-up. Conclusion: Danazol is an effective modality in treating the fibrocystic disease of the breast, despite annoying side effects, and could achieve 100% success rate, 0% recurrence rate, and good long term control. The fear of the malignancy risk should not preclude the successful conservative Danazol treatment unless a well-proven potential malignant changes are encountered.