My Breakthrough
Breast cysts
A breast cyst is a collection of fluid in the breast.
They are very common and rarely associated with cancer. With a cyst, the lump feels smooth and firm, moves easily and may be tender. If several cysts are grouped together, any swelling may feel irregular.
Cysts often occur in both breasts and can develop anywhere within them. About ten per cent of women (one in ten) develop recurrent cysts.
The fluid within the cyst comes from fluid in the breast which occurs as part of a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. Towards the end of the menstrual cycle the cells in the breasts enlarge and swell. After a period the cells shrink and the fluid that is released disappears. But in some cases this fluid remains in the breast and forms a cyst.
Cysts are most common in women in their 30s and 40s and tend to disappear after the menopause. Women who take HRT may also develop breast cysts as their breasts are similar to those of a younger woman.
Cysts can be easily distinguished from cancer by using ultrasound. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to build up a picture of the breast. With a liquid-filled cyst, the sound waves pass directly through, while a solid lump bounces the waves right back to the film.
About 30 per cent of cysts refill with fluid and need to be drained again.
Cysts do not increase the risk of breast cancer. If you have had a diagnosis of a benign breast condition and you are unsure or worried about your breast cancer risk, you should speak to your doctor.
Cysts often occur in both breasts and can develop anywhere within them. About ten per cent of women (one in ten) develop recurrent cysts.
The fluid within the cyst comes from fluid in the breast which occurs as part of a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. Towards the end of the menstrual cycle the cells in the breasts enlarge and swell. After a period the cells shrink and the fluid that is released disappears. But in some cases this fluid remains in the breast and forms a cyst.
Cysts are most common in women in their 30s and 40s and tend to disappear after the menopause. Women who take HRT may also develop breast cysts as their breasts are similar to those of a younger woman.
Cysts can be easily distinguished from cancer by using ultrasound. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to build up a picture of the breast. With a liquid-filled cyst, the sound waves pass directly through, while a solid lump bounces the waves right back to the film.
Treatment of a breast cyst
Breast cysts are treated by aspiration, which means drawing off the fluid with a needle and syringe. When the fluid is removed, the lump disappears. After the cyst has been drained, firm pressure is applied to prevent bruising. If the drained fluid is blood-stained, or a lump remains after aspiration, the fluid may be sent for examination under a microscope.About 30 per cent of cysts refill with fluid and need to be drained again.
Cysts do not increase the risk of breast cancer. If you have had a diagnosis of a benign breast condition and you are unsure or worried about your breast cancer risk, you should speak to your doctor.
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