Breast Cyst Breast Cyst
Wikipedia—The Free Encyclopedia

Definition A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac within the breast. One can have one or more breast cysts. They’re often described as round or oval lumps with distinct edges. In texture, a breast cyst usually feels like a soft grape or a water-filled balloon, but sometimes a breast cyst feels firm.[1] Breast cysts can be painful and may be worrisome but are generally benign. They are most common in pre-menopausal women in their 30s or 40s. They usually disappear after menopause, unless you’re taking hormone therapy.[2] Breast cysts can be part of fibrocystic disease. The pain and swelling is usually worse in the second half of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Diagnosis The cystic nature of a breast lump can be confirmed by ultrasound examination, aspiration (removal of contents with needle), or mammogram. Ultrasound can also show if the cyst contains solid nodules, a sign that the lesion may be pre-cancerous or cancerous. Examination by a cytopathologist of the fluid aspirated from the cyst may also help with this diagnosis. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of breast cysts include: A smooth, easily movable round or oval breast lump with distinct edges Breast pain or tenderness in the area of the lump Increased lump size and tenderness just before your period Decreased lump size and resolution of other signs and symptoms after your period Having one or many simple breast cysts doesn’t increase your risk of breast cancer.[3] [edit] Treatment Breast cysts don’t require treatment unless a cyst is large and painful or otherwise uncomfortable. In that case, draining the fluid from a breast cyst can ease your symptoms.[4] Typical treatment involves a Needle aspiration biopsy. Aspirated cysts often recur (come back); definitive treatment may require surgery.