When we talk about breast cysts in general, it refers to the formation of fluid-filled sacs that create lumps in the breast. They can also arise from the enlargement of the milk ducts in the breast, so they are often benign and not considered a sign of breast cancer. However, a breast cyst may sometimes be observed along with severe breast pain. In some women, breast cysts may appear as a firmer lump. Because of this, back pain can also occur in patients where this type of breast cyst is seen.

Since cysts are usually filled with fluid, they have a grape cluster-like appearance. Generally, breast cysts are soft in structure, but sometimes they can become hard. In this situation, getting an expert opinion would be beneficial. Breast cyst types can be examined in five categories. In a simple breast cyst, the cyst is soft and smooth in structure. In a complicated breast cyst, more than one mass comes together to form a cluster. In cysts with a protrusion on the breast wall, a protrusion can be observed extending inward from the cyst wall. Dense-content breast cysts are those filled with a dense fluid. An irregular-structured breast cyst can develop bleeding inside the cyst.

The treatment of breast cysts is carried out with medication or, in very serious cases, by resorting to surgical treatment methods. Istanbul has quite successful and expert surgeons in the field of breast cyst treatment. The cost of breast cyst treatment may vary depending on the content of the treatment and the patient’s condition.

Early diagnosis of breast cysts and the subsequent treatment process are very important for both patients and their relatives. During this challenging period, relatives of the patient may want to learn about the disease and closely follow the process while deciding what is best for the patient. For this reason, this article will provide detailed information on the symptoms, stages, and risks of breast cysts; treatment options for breast cysts; the types of breast cyst surgery, their risks, and the post-operative process.

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Cyst Types– Simple Cysts: Fluid-filled, smooth in structure, and generally benign. They are most often seen in premenopausal women.

– Complex Cysts: May contain some solid components in addition to fluid; the risk of cancer is higher, so a biopsy or close follow-up may be required.

CausesChanges in hormone levels (especially estrogen) can cause fluid to accumulate in the breast tissue. Stress, diet, and some medications can also affect cyst formation.
SymptomsA round or oval lump that can be felt by hand, sometimes pain or tenderness, nipple sensitivity. Especially before menstruation, sensitivity in the cysts can increase.
Diagnostic Methods– Ultrasound: Determines whether the cyst is fluid-filled.

– Mammography: Detects both solid and fluid-filled cysts.

– Fine Needle Aspiration: Extracts the cyst fluid to analyze the structure of the cyst.

– Biopsy: May be performed to rule out cancer in complex cysts.

Treatment Methods– Simple cysts generally do not require treatment; they can disappear on their own.

– Enlarged, painful cysts can be drained with a fine needle aspiration.

– Complex cysts are followed up with regular check-ups; if necessary, they are surgically removed.

ComplicationsUntreated cysts can rarely become infected; the cyst may fill up again.
Follow-upEspecially complex cysts are monitored with regular ultrasound and mammography; they should be checked at intervals recommended by the doctor.
Lifestyle RecommendationsRegular check-ups are important for breast health. Stress-reducing activities, a balanced diet, and reducing alcohol-caffeine intake are recommended.

What Is a Breast Cyst and What Are Its Causes?

Breast cysts are defined as fluid-filled sacs. They occur when the breast ducts expand and fill with fluid.

In a breast examination, they are felt as a round or oval lump that can be easily moved.

In a breast examination, they are felt as a round, firm, and often painful lump. The size of the cysts can fluctuate in relation to the menstrual cycle.

How Are Breast Cysts Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of breast cysts is made by breast ultrasonography. Ultrasound examination of the breast cyst provides information about the cyst wall and the fluid inside. If the cyst wall is smooth and the fluid inside is homogeneous, these are defined as simple cysts. They are benign, and some of them may completely disappear over time.

Simple cysts that are not palpable by hand, and do not cause pain or any other symptoms, do not require follow-up.

Simple cysts that are not palpable by hand and do not cause pain or any other symptoms do not require follow-up. The fluid in large and painful cysts can be drained under ultrasound guidance. This fluid needs to be examined and followed up. Cytopathological examination should be done with a fine or core needle biopsy. If necessary, the entire cyst can be surgically removed.

Complex cysts, on the other hand, are cysts that contain solid parts in addition to fluid content, have dense fluid content, and have irregular walls. These cysts need to be examined and followed up. A cytopathological examination should be performed with a fine or core needle biopsy. If necessary, the entire cyst can be surgically removed.

Breast Cyst Treatment

In most cases, there is no need for treatment for the cysts observed in the breast. If the breast cyst is simple, follow-up is sufficient. For complicated and dense cysts, they should be followed up every six months with ultrasound.

If the fluid in the cyst is irregular in structure, grainy, or bloody, the fluids are cleared out via syringe and analyzed in pathology. If necessary, the cyst should be surgically removed and analyzed…

Solid Mass in the Breast

  • Some lumps that appear in the breast are filled with cells. These types of lumps are called solid masses. Some solid masses may carry a risk of cancer.
  • Solid masses containing atypical cells have a higher risk of cancer. It is observed that these cells have an abnormal appearance, which is a pre-cancerous state.

Fibroadenoma

  • Fibroadenoma is the most common solid mass in the breast area. It generally occurs in young women. It presents with a lump in the breast that can be felt.
  • It usually does not cause pain. The risk of fibroadenomas turning into breast cancer is quite low. Their sizes typically appear at around 1-2 cm, but they can rarely grow up to 15 cm.

Fibroadenoma Diagnosis

  • Fibroadenomas are diagnosed via mammography and ultrasound. The mass is analyzed with a breast ultrasound. However, a definitive diagnosis is completed by taking a sample from the lump in the breast.

Fibroadenoma Treatment

  • In the treatment of fibroadenoma, the treatment plan is made based on the characteristics of the lump. If it is a harmless lump, it is frequently monitored or surgical treatment may be applied. If its appearance is irregular, if it has excessive vascularity, or if its internal structure is not homogeneous (regular), the mass may be surgically removed or fragmented with a needle.

Radial Scar

  • It occurs in the wall of the milk duct. Radial scar has extensions that spread into the breast tissue. On mammography, it resembles cancer.

However, they are not usually masses that turn into cancer. Nevertheless, they need to be surgically removed to eliminate the cancer risk. In a person with a radial scar, the risk of breast cancer will increase. Therefore, close follow-up is important.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Mastitis?

The chances of a woman developing mastitis can be increased by a number of risk factors, such as:

  • Incorrect or infrequent breastfeeding can block milk ducts and increase the risk of mastitis. These poor lactation management practices can also lead to insufficient milk supply. Women who have a history of breast surgery or especially dense breast tissue may also be more likely to develop the condition. A previous case of mastitis, a weakened immune system, and hormonal changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding are additional risk factors.
  • It is very important to remember that mastitis can affect any breastfeeding woman; it is not only limited to new mothers. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of mastitis and seeking medical help if they occur is essential. Early diagnosis and intervention can reduce the severity of the condition.

What Should Be Done to Prevent Mastitis?

Breastfeeding mothers are susceptible to mastitis, which is inflammation of the breast tissue. Proper breastfeeding technique is crucial for preventing the development of mastitis. This includes correctly positioning the baby at the breast, ensuring a proper latch, and making sure the baby fully empties the breast.

In addition to proper breastfeeding technique, paying attention to signs of mastitis and addressing them in a timely manner is also important. This involves being aware of symptoms like painful or engorged breasts and taking steps to relieve the blockage, such as increasing the frequency of pumping or breastfeeding. Recognizing infection symptoms such as fever and seeing a doctor for a check-up if you suspect an infection is vital. Mastitis can also be prevented by regularly checking for lumps in the breast and maintaining good hygiene practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cysts

At what size does a breast cyst become dangerous?

Breast cysts can be thought of as fluid-filled sacs. These cysts can be both millimetric or reach centimeter-level measurements. However, the dangerousness of a breast cyst is not solely determined by its size. Its appearance, structure, and characteristics also provide clues as to whether it is dangerous. Still, if a mass is over 2 cm, you should definitely see a doctor both because it can cause pain and to take advantage of early diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of a breast cyst?

Breast cysts, which appear in 1 out of every 14 women and are more common between the ages of 40-49, may not show symptoms until they are detected by touch. In fact, most cysts are not noticed even during self-examination if they have not reached a certain size. During a self-examination, it can be noticed that cysts have a bumpy texture. Some cysts can also cause pain.

What is a painful cyst in the breast?

Cysts that develop as a result of the expansion of the breast ducts and filling with fluid can cause pain in some cases. Such cysts are often felt as a round, firm, and painful lump. Large and painful cysts need to be examined and followed up.

Do cysts in the breast turn into cancer?

Cysts that occur in the breast do not have the potential to turn into cancer over time. Almost only one in ten cysts has a chance of being cancer. If a cyst is determined to be benign, what needs to be done is to monitor the cyst under a doctor’s supervision at specific intervals.

Do breast cysts cause arm pain?

Fibrocysts are among the most common benign masses in the breast. These benign masses can cause pain and sensitivity in an individual, especially during menstrual periods. As the number and size increase, pain complaints may also increase. If the fibrocyst is dense and inflamed, the pain can be felt in the breast, armpit, and arm.

Do breast cysts disappear on their own?

Although breast cysts generally remain stable in number and size, they may show an inclination to increase, decrease, grow, or shrink depending on hormonal changes, psychological factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle. They can shrink and disappear on their own after menopause.

What is the difference between a cyst and a mass in the breast?

A mass is a gland that can occur at any point in the body, including the breast, and may be composed of different tissues. A cyst, on the other hand, is a small lump or sac containing fluid or a semi-solid substance. Not every mass in the breast is a cyst. Breast masses can also be benign tumors, cancer, sebaceous cysts, or abscesses.

What are the types of breast cysts?

A simple breast cyst is one in which the fluid is uniform, the perimeter is smooth, there is no vascular structure, and there is no possibility of turning into cancer. A complicated breast cyst is formed by the merging of several cysts, whereas a dense-content breast cyst refers to the situation in which the fluid within the cyst is very dense. If the cyst contains blood or tissue debris, this is referred to as an irregular-structured breast cyst.

How are breast cysts diagnosed?

The most commonly used diagnostic method is ultrasonographic imaging. After this procedure, the cyst fluid is drained via syringe under ultrasound guidance. Some cysts may disappear completely after the draining procedure. The fluid and tissue samples taken are sent to pathology. Treatment is determined based on the results.

What causes breast cysts?

As the amount of connective tissue in the breast, which is composed of connective tissue and milk ducts, increases, the capillary milk ducts in the breast structures become blocked, and cysts form.

References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15691-breast-cysts

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