Breast Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs called breast cysts can form inside the breast. Most of the time, these cysts are not cancerous. A woman might have just one cyst, or several. A breast cyst often feels like a small, soft, fluid-filled sac, similar to a grape or a balloon. Sometimes, however, a cyst might feel firm.

Unless a breast cyst is large or causes pain or discomfort, no treatment is needed. If a cyst is causing problems, a doctor can drain the fluid, which often helps relieve the discomfort.

Breast cysts can happen to women of any age, but they are more common in women before menopause, usually before age 50. They also sometimes develop in postmenopausal women who are taking hormone replacement therapy.

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Sometimes, women develop small, fluid-filled sacs in their breasts called cysts. These cysts can be in one breast or both.

Some common signs of a breast cyst include:

• A lump: The lump is usually round or oval, smooth, and moves easily when you touch it. A smooth, easily movable lump is more likely to be harmless (benign), but this isn't always the case. It's important to have it checked by a doctor.
• Discharge from the nipple: The discharge might be clear, yellow, light brown, or even dark brown.
• Pain or tenderness: You might feel pain or soreness around the area of the lump.
• Changes with your period: The cyst and any pain or tenderness may get worse just before your period starts. After your period, the cyst and other symptoms often get better.

Having breast cysts does not increase your risk of getting breast cancer. However, cysts can sometimes make it harder to spot new lumps or other changes in your breast that need medical attention.

It's normal for breasts to feel lumpy and sore around the time of your period. To help know if something is unusual, pay attention to how your breasts feel throughout your cycle. If you notice any changes, it's best to see a doctor for an evaluation.

Your breasts can sometimes feel lumpy or bumpy, which is normal. However, if you notice a new lump in your breast that doesn't disappear, gets larger, or doesn't go away after a few menstrual cycles, it's important to see your doctor right away. This is especially important if you also notice any new changes to the skin on your breasts, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or any other unusual skin alterations. Don't delay; schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Your breasts are made of many small, glandular areas, like the petals of a flower. These areas are grouped together and called lobes. Inside the lobes are even smaller parts called lobules. These lobules are what make milk during pregnancy and when you're breastfeeding. The rest of your breast is made up of fatty tissue and tough, supportive fibers that give your breasts their shape.

Sometimes, fluid builds up inside these glandular areas, creating a lump called a breast cyst. These cysts can be different sizes:

• Tiny cysts (microcysts): These are often too small to feel, but can be seen on tests like mammograms or ultrasounds.
• Larger cysts (macrocysts): These are big enough that you might feel them. They can grow to be about 1 to 2 inches across.

Doctors don't completely understand why breast cysts develop. They might be connected to the hormonal changes that happen during your monthly menstrual cycle.

Diagnosing Breast Cysts: A Simple Explanation

A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the breast. Doctors use several methods to diagnose them, and understanding these steps can help ease any concerns.

Initial Steps: The process often begins with a physical exam by your doctor. They will feel your breast for any lumps or unusual areas. This exam can help identify potential problems, but it can't definitively determine if a lump is a cyst. Your doctor will likely need additional tests to confirm.

Imaging Tests: These tests use pictures to look inside the breast.

• Mammogram: This uses X-rays to create images of the breast. Mammograms are good at showing larger cysts or groups of smaller cysts, but they might not be able to clearly show very small cysts (microcysts).
• Breast Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the breast. Ultrasound helps determine if a lump is filled with fluid (likely a cyst) or solid (possibly a different type of lump, or even cancer).

Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): This is a simple procedure where a thin needle is inserted into the lump to remove any fluid. Often, ultrasound is used to guide the needle for better accuracy.

• Fluid Removal and Diagnosis: If the lump is a cyst, removing the fluid will often cause the lump to shrink or disappear. If the fluid is clear (straw-colored) and not bloody, and the lump goes away completely, this is a strong indication that it's just a cyst and no further testing is usually needed.

• Further Evaluation if Needed: If the fluid is bloody or the lump doesn't go away after aspiration, the fluid sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Your doctor might also refer you to a breast surgeon or a radiologist (a doctor specializing in imaging) for further evaluation. If no fluid is drawn, the lump is likely solid, and further testing, like a biopsy, may be recommended to determine what the solid mass is.

Important Note: If a lump is solid or the fluid is bloody, it's important to follow up with your doctor. This is not necessarily a sign of cancer, but it warrants further investigation to rule out any concerns. Your doctor will discuss the next steps based on the results of the tests.