Which of the following is the MOST common palpable mass in women of reproductive age?

Fibrocystic breast change is indeed the most common palpable mass found in women of reproductive age. This condition is characterized by the presence of cysts and fibrous tissue in the breasts, which can lead to lumpy, tender areas that are often noticeable during physical examination. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate this condition, leading many women to experience cyclical breast pain and tenderness, particularly in the days before their period.

In contrast, sentinel lymph nodes, malignant neoplasms of the breast, and adenocarcinoma are less frequently encountered as palpable masses in this demographic. While breast cancer can present as a palpable mass, it is statistically less common than the non-cancerous fibrocystic changes that many women experience. Similarly, sentinel lymph nodes are not typically palpable unless there is an associated pathology or enlargement. Adenocarcinomas can occur in various tissues but are not specifically relevant to the common findings in breast examinations among reproductive-aged women. This context contributes to the understanding of why fibrocystic breast change is recognized as the prevalent condition in this group.