A cyst (cyst) in the breast is a fluid-filled lump that can be located in different parts of the breast. So if you sense these types of changes in your breasts, don't panic - it doesn't have to be breast cancer, but a cyst, which is usually not harmful to your he alth. What are the causes and symptoms of a cyst in the breast? How To Distinguish Cysts From Breast Cancer? What is the treatment?

A breast cystis a benign lump that results from a significant expansion of the milk ducts. This type ofchanges in the breastsare most often diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 50, less often in young women or those whose ovarian hormonal activity has ceased.

Cysts in the breast - causes

The causes of cysts in the breast are not fully known. It is suspected that hormonal disorders (specifically estrogen-progesterone disorders) play a role in their formation.

Cysts in the breast - symptoms

Breast cysts appear as a lesion or several lesions which:

  • are shaped like a lump (resemble bubbles filled with liquid)
  • are usually hard to the touch, although there are also some soft ones
  • are small - usually between 1 and 5 centimeters
  • are smooth
  • they can be freely moved between your fingers

Importantly, breast cysts often change during the menstrual cycle. Before menstruation, they increase in size and can cause tenderness and pain in the breasts, and after the end of the period they decrease in size.

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In addition, large cysts can cause pain radiating to the armpit from pressure on the breast tissue.

Important

How to distinguish a breast cyst from breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a hard lump (it feels like a pebble) and usually cannot be moved. Moreover, breast cancer is rarely painful and does not change during the menstrual cycle. However, the test that ultimately differentiates a breast cyst from a cancer is a histopathological examination.

Cysts in the breast - diagnosis

If you feel any suspicious changes in your breasts, see your oncologist or gynecologist. The doctor will examine the breast with his fingers, andthen he will order an ultrasound or mammogram.

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The next stage of research may be a fine needle biopsy.

Due to the fact that the formation of breast cysts is associated with hormonal disorders, in some cases the doctor may order hormonal tests and possibly start appropriate treatment.

Cysts in the breast - treatment

Breast cysts usually don't need treatment. It is indicated whenbreast lumpsare large and cause pain, and also when there are doubts as to the nature of the lesion (there is no 100% certainty that it is not a cancerous or other lesion). ). Then a puncture is performed and the fluid in the cyst is aspirated (with smaller lesions it is performed under ultrasound control). The aspirated fluid is then sent for a test to find out if there are any cancerous cells in it.

If, after aspirating the fluid in the breast, it is found that the cyst sac has thick walls, it is removed during surgery, as this is where cancer may develop (but this is rare). Other indications for the surgical removal of the cyst in the breast are also:

  • cytology of fluid indicating an increased risk of developing cancer
  • staining the sucked fluid with blood
  • relapse of the cyst shortly after emptying it

Category:

Female diseases