What Causes Cysts in the Breast? Breast Cyst Symptoms and Treatment
A lump in the breast is a common finding. These masses may occur due to benign cysts that mostly occur in the breast, solid masses such as fibroadenomas, fat necrosis due to trauma, and infection; They cause great fear in women because they can also be a sign of breast cancer. However, not every lump that is palpable in the breast is cancer. The cause of these masses in the breast is mostly benign breast cysts. If a structure different from normal is detected in the breast tissue, it is recommended to contact health institutions and get support from specialist physicians to perform the necessary examinations and tests.
What is a Cyst in the Breast?
Breast cyst is a condition usually caused by fluid accumulation within the breast tissue. Although fluctuations in hormone levels in the female body are held responsible for the formation of breast cysts, the underlying cause of this situation has not yet been fully elucidated. Round-shaped, fluid-filled cystic structures are among the most common structures in breast mass cases. These cyst structures are especially seen in female patients in their 40s. Rarely, breast cysts may occur in men. Cysts can also occur in some people as very small structures called microcysts. These small cyst structures can only be revealed through breast imaging examinations. In some cases, cysts can reach large sizes that can be detected externally during physical examination and are called macrocysts.
What are the causes of cysts in the breast?
It is quite common to encounter a cyst in the breast. This condition, which is not generally considered a sign of a serious condition, may occur due to simple reasons such as hormonal changes. Although more than 80% of breast cysts are benign, the possibility of malignancy must be excluded. It is natural for people who find a cyst in their breast to feel uncomfortable about this situation. In case of any cyst development in the breasts, which consist of structures such as glandular tissue, connective tissue, mammary gland, milk ducts and fatty tissue, the size of both breasts may change. In the development of a hard, cystic structure, these structures are felt differently than normal breast tissue.
Factors that may be effective in the development of such cysts in the breast can be summarized as follows:
- Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle
- Blockage in milk ducts
- Development of infection in breast tissue
Typically, a benign breast cyst can be easily manipulated between the fingers. Masses that are immobile and adherent to the breast tissue should be examined with further tests to see if there is a malignant formation.
What are the symptoms of cysts in the breast?
Symptoms of cysts in the breast may vary depending on the type and characteristics of this cyst structure.
Simple breast cysts are in the form of clear fluid-filled sacs that develop within the breast tissue and are usually felt as a smooth lump under the skin. Some breast cysts may present as painless structures, while others may present as very painful structures. In ultrasonographic examinations of breast cysts, it is seen that the sizes of simple cysts generally vary between 2.5-5 cm. Larger cysts above this size can put pressure on the surrounding tissues and cause the person to experience various discomfort in the breast. In
some breast cysts, called complicated cysts , the cyst contains debris, protein, blood and epithelial cells. These types of cysts cause a more echogenic image on ultrasonography and should be monitored more closely. Cysts, which we call
complex cysts , have thick walls and a partition thicker than 0.5 mm within the cyst and a nodular structure extending into the cyst. These types of cysts may require very close follow-up and differential diagnosis of the solid structure within the cyst using a thick needle biopsy.
Can Cysts in the Breast Cause Pain?
When cyst structures in the breast are in the form of simple cysts, they generally do not cause pain complaints. It should not be forgotten that pain may occur if the cyst is quite large and appears suddenly, its wall becomes infected, and the cyst content becomes abscessed.
Differences Between Cyst and Mass in Breast
Although there are some differences between cyst and mass in the breast; It should not be forgotten that some of these differences do not enable the exact distinction between cysts and masses. While breast cysts may have features such as pain, smooth edges, smoothness, mobility and changes in their structure with the menstrual cycle, breast tumors can often appear as painless, hard, hard-to-move masses that cannot be moved easily and are independent of the menstrual cycle.
How Many Cms Is a Cyst in the Breast Dangerous?
There is no size range that is considered safe for breast cysts. Cysts can only cause pain when they reach a size of 2-3 cm or if they grow rapidly. Every cyst detected by a person should be evaluated by specialist physicians and, as a result of further examination, it should be decided whether the existing structure is benign or malignant.
How is Breast Cyst Treatment?
Breast cyst treatment is planned after clarifying what the existing structure is. In some cyst structures, only follow-up is recommended, while in others, the cyst content is aspirated and emptied and followed by ultrasonography at 6-month intervals. To rule out the possibility of cancer in cysts with a solid structure, called complicated or complex cysts; A thick needle biopsy should be performed on cysts and a pathological diagnosis should be made. Sometimes, such cysts need to be removed surgically for diagnosis and treatment purposes.
In cysts formed due to infection, regression is usually observed after drainage. Antibiotics should be added to the treatment planning for these cysts.
Does a cyst in the breast go away on its own?
Spontaneous disappearance of the cyst varies depending on the type and characteristics of the formation. Benign cysts, especially those that occur due to hormonal fluctuations, tend to regress spontaneously without the need for any treatment or intervention. If you observe signs and symptoms of a cyst in the breast, it is recommended that you contact health institutions and get support from specialist physicians in order to fully clarify this structure. We wish you healthy days.
