About the disease
Breast cysts are in most cases non-cancerous. They are fluid-filled lumps, located in the breasts. There can be either one or several cysts, which can be both unilateral and bilateral. This condition is most common among women over 35. It can develop because of hormonal changes in woman`s body. In some cases it is caused by excessive amount of estrogen, produced by the ovaries.
According to American site Medscape, in 39-50% cases breast cysts can be recurrent if not treated. They can be a manifestation of fibrocystic disease, which is the most common disease of female`s breast and is present at some point of woman`s life in 60-90%. In most cases a patient can not feel a cyst and it develops and goes away unnoticed. In 25% breast cysts become large in size (larger than 2-3 cm) and in that case they are palpable.
Good news is that breast cyst can not turn into a cancer, as it is practically a fluid, which accumulates in the breast. Cyst can result in cancer only if there was a serious infection, which is very rare. In that case a patient experiences redness and soreness, which are not typical for usual cysts and can be immediately noticed by the doctor.
Symptoms
- Oval or round lump in the breast, which can be felt
- Nipple discharges
- Tenderness of the breast skin
- Pain in the breast, which can be intensified during the period
Diagnosis
In most cases cysts are noticed during self-examination. If they are not palpable, they do not present danger.
- Mammogram creates the image of patient`s breast and helps a doctor differentiate a cyst and a solid nodule, which have similar symptoms, but require different treatment techniques.
- Ultrasound is used to examine the breast on a deeper level and determine if the lump is liquid, which is the first indicator of a cyst.
- Biopsy is used if there is a suspicion of a tumor. This procedure helps identify malignant cells, if they are present.
Treatment
- Surgical treatment of a cyst is used if condition becomes too painful and if there is a danger of infection. Surgery is also required if fluid-filled cyst contains blood inside and the lump does not diminish after several months. During this procedure a surgeon carefully removes the cyst and then makes a stitch. This surgery is called lumpectomy and it is usually carried out under the general anesthesia. Sometimes doctors use a special vacuum, which can suck out the tissue, where lump has formed.
- Aspiration is another surgical procedure, effective for cyst treatment. During aspiration a doctor uses a needle, which is directed at abscessed area and which is then used to remove the fluid forming cyst.
Overall, cyst treatment has favorable prognosis and you may be able to leave the hospital the same day after the surgery. The only remainder of a procedure will be moderate bruising, which will go away after several weeks.
Authors: Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko
