Breast Cysts Women’s Clinic What are breast cysts? The breast is made up of lobules (milk-producing glands) and ducts (tubes that carry milk to nipple), which are surrounded by fatty tissue and supportive tissue. Sometimes fluid-filled sacs develop in the breast tissue. These are breast cysts. They develop naturally as the breast ages and changes.
For some women, cysts can feel uncomfortable and even painful. Before a period, cysts may become larger and feel sore and tender.
Although you can develop breast cysts at any age, they are most common in women over 35 years old, who have not reached menopause. They occur more frequently as women approach the menopause and usually stop or become less frequent after that stage. However, woman who are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the menopause may also develop cysts.
How are they found? Cysts usually become noticeable as a lump in the breast, or are sometimes found by chance when you have a breast examination or routine breast screening.
Cyst can feel soft if they are near the surface of the skin, or like a hard lump if they are deeper within the breast tissue. They can develop anywhere in the breast, but are commonly found in the upper half.
It is quite common to develop one or more cysts, either in one breast or both breasts, and this is nothing to worry about. There are also many women who have cysts without knowing about them.
When you have a breast examination, your doctor will sometimes be able to determine whether the lump feels like a cyst. A mammogram (breast x-ray) or ultrasound (which creates a picture of the breast using high-frequency sound waves) may be ordered. If you are under 35 years old, you are more likely to have an ultrasound scan than a mammogram. This is because the breast tissue of younger
women is too dense to give a clear image on a mammogram. If the lump can be felt easily, your doctor may insert a fine needle into the lump to draw out (aspirate) the fluid. Treatment and follow-up If you do have a breast cyst or cysts, you would not usually need any further treatment or follow-up. Many cysts go away naturally and are no cause for worry. However, if the cyst is larger and causing discomfort, or does not go away on its own, your doctor will draw out the fluid using a fine needle and syringe. Once the fluid has been drained, the cyst usually disappears. You may feel some discomfort as the fluid is being drawn, and the area may feel bruised and tender for some days after. You may wish to take painkillers such as Paracetamol. The fluid drawn off from the cyst can vary in appearance, from clear to very dark. It is usually only sent to a laboratory for testing if it is bloodstained, as this may indicate breast cancer.
Cysts can come back, or may develop new cysts. If you think a cyst has returned or a new cyst has formed, do return to your doctor to have it checked. If the cyst keeps refilling, you may be offered the choice to having it surgically removed. This minor operation is called a surgical biopsy, is done under general anaesthesia. You will have a small wound with stitches in it, and your doctor/nurse will tell you how to take care of it. If your breast feels painful after the operation, you may wish to take painkillers such as Paracetamol. The operation will leave a small scar but this will fade over time. What this means for you Having a breast cyst does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, it is still important to be breast aware by becoming familiar with your breasts and regularly checking them for unusual changes. Consult your doctor if you think your cyst has returned or if you notice any other abnormal changes in your breasts.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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