Breast cyst

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Breast cyst
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Ultrasound scan showing a small cyst in the breast
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A breast cyst is a cyst, a fluid-filled sac, within the breast. One breast can have one or more cysts. They are often described as round or oval lumps with distinct edges. In texture, a breast cyst usually feels like a soft grape or a water-filled balloon, but sometimes a breast cyst feels firm. [1]

Contents

Breast cysts can be painful and may be worrisome but are generally benign. They are most common in pre-menopausal women in their 30s or 40s. They usually disappear after menopause, but may persist or reappear when using hormone therapy. [1] They are also common in adolescents. [2] Breast cysts can be part of fibrocystic disease. The pain and swelling is usually worse in the second half of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

Treating breast cysts is usually not necessary unless they are painful or cause discomfort. In most cases, the discomfort they cause may be alleviated by draining the fluid from the cyst. The cysts form as a result of the growth of the milk glands. [3] While some large cysts feel like lumps, most cysts cannot be identified during physical examinations.

Breast cysts are not to be confused with "milk cysts" (galactoceles), which usually appear during weaning.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of breast cysts include:

Lumps in the breast are often not found during self-examinations or physical exams. However, in some cases they can be felt at touch, especially if they are larger.

Breasts are usually lumpy or nodular as a result of the hormonal changes that women go through during their menstrual cycle. However, new breast lumps should always be referred to a specialist.

Cysts can also be confused with infections that form on the nipple or the areola. A common cyst look-alike is a localised infection of a duct in the nipple. These can happen whether you're breast feeding or not, (if you are breast feeding it could also be a bleb) this becomes a bump that may then start to look yellow and white (pus filled). Check with your doctor if you are unsure or have other symptoms that are worrying you.


Fluid leaking from a cyst, as may happen due to puncture or vigorous compression during mammography, or due to seat belt injury in the course of an automobile accident, may trigger an aseptic inflammation in the surrounding breast tissue. [5]

Diagnosis

Needle biopsy being performed to determine nature of lump either fluid-filled cyst or solid tumor Needle biopsy.jpg
Needle biopsy being performed to determine nature of lump either fluid-filled cyst or solid tumor

The cystic nature of a breast lump can be confirmed by ultrasound examination, aspiration [6] (removal of contents with needle), or mammogram. Ultrasound can also show if the cyst contains solid nodules, a sign that the lesion may be pre-cancerous or cancerous. Examination by a cytopathologist of the fluid aspirated from the cyst may also help with this diagnosis. In particular, it should be sent to a laboratory for testing if it is blood-stained.

Commonly, cysts are detected with the help of mammograms. However, the medical history and physical examination also play an important role in establishing an accurate diagnosis. During these tests, the doctor will try to find out as much information as possible regarding the symptoms the patient has experienced, their intensity and duration and the physical examination is performed regularly to check for other abnormalities that may exist within the breast.

As mentioned above, cysts are often undetectable at touch. Therefore, a mammogram can provide valuable and clear images of the breast tissue. Generally, if there is any abnormality within the breast tissue, it will be shown on the mammogram. There are two types of mammograms available. One of them is primarily used in screening, and are ordered for patients who do not show any symptoms and these are called screening mammograms. Diagnostic mammograms are used on patients who developed certain symptoms of a breast condition or in patients whose screening mammograms showed abnormalities.

Patients suspected of breast cysts will normally be given a diagnosing mammogram, although they are not suspected of cancer. This type of mammogram provides the doctor with the possibility of performing a breast ultrasound at the same time and this is the reason why they are often preferred over the screening mammograms. Breast ultrasound is considered the best option when diagnosing breast cysts because it is 95 to 100% accurate, it provides a clear image on the cyst's appearance (simple or complex) and it may also distinguish between solid lumps and fluid-filled cysts, which a mammogram cannot do. [7] Breast ultrasounds are performed with the help of a handheld medical instrument which is placed on the skin, after a special type of fluid has been applied on it. The instruments picks up the echo resulted from the sound waves it sends to the breast. These echoes are transmitted to a computer which translates it into a picture.

Breast cysts may remain stable for many years or may resolve spontaneously. [8] Most simple cysts are benign and do not require any treatment or further diagnostic workup. Some complex cysts may require further diagnostic measures such as fine needle aspiration or biopsy to exclude breast cancer however the overwhelming majority is of benign nature. [6] [9] Aspiration both diagnoses and removes cysts at the same time. That is, cysts will usually resolve on their own after the fluid is drained. Otherwise, if the lump is not a cyst, the fluid aspirated may contain blood or there may not be fluid at all. Whereas in the first case, the fluid is sent to the laboratory for further examination, the latter circumstance is a sign that the breast lump is solid. This type of tumor needs to be biopsied in order to determine whether it is malignant or benign.

Prevention

The development of breast cysts may be prevented to some degree, according to the majority of the specialists. The recommended measures one is able to take in order to avoid the formation of the cysts include practicing good health and avoiding certain medications, eating a balanced diet, taking necessary vitamins and supplements, getting exercise, and avoiding stress. [10] [ unreliable source? ]

Although caffeine consumption does not have a scientifically proved connection with the process of cyst development, many women claim that their symptoms are relieved if avoiding it. Some doctors recommend reducing the amount of caffeine in one's diet in terms of both beverages and foods (such as chocolate). Also reducing salt intake may help in alleviating the symptoms of breast cysts, although, again, there is no scientific linkage between these two. Excessive sugar consumption as well as undetected food allergies, such as to gluten or lactose, may also contribute to cyst development.

Treatment

Breast cysts do not require treatment unless a cyst is large and painful or otherwise uncomfortable. In that case, draining the fluid from a breast cyst can ease symptoms. [1]

Nipple cysts (commonly duct infections) may benefit from a hot compress to draw out the pus and antibacterial cream. These infected ducts typically clear up within a few days.

Typical treatment involves a Needle aspiration biopsy which is typically done with a 10 cc syringe attached to a fine needle aspiration needle. [11] Fine needle aspiration allows retrieval of cytological samples that can be sent for pathological review to determine if the cyst is benign or malignant. [12] Aspirated cysts often recur (come back); definitive treatment may require surgery. During an excisional biopsy an incision is made around the mass creating a superior and inferior flap. The mass is dissected out followed by confirmation of hemostasis. Once hemostasis is confirmed the wound is closed with an absorbable suture. The mass is then sent to pathology for review. Pathology can help determine if the surgeon needs to dissect a bigger margin. [13]

Draining the fluid and then waiting for the cyst to resolve is the main treatment applied in these cases. Moreover, if cysts are aspirated and the fluid looks normal, they do not require any other medical attention apart from following-up to make sure they have completely disappeared. Hormone therapy, by the means of oral contraceptives, is sometimes prescribed to reduce their recurrence and to regulate the menstrual cycle of the patient (which is likely to cause them in the first place). Danazol may also be prescribed to treat this condition and it is usually considered in patients on whom the non-medical treatment fails and the symptoms are intense.

Surgical removal of a breast cyst is necessary only in a few unusual circumstances. If an uncomfortable breast cyst recurs month after month, or if a breast cyst contains blood-tinged fluid and displays other worrisome signs, surgery may be considered. [14]

Epidemiology

It is estimated that 7% of women in the western world develop palpable breast cysts. [15]

In males, the occurrence of breast cysts is rare [16] and may (but need not) be an indication of malignancy. [17]

Cysts and bra support

Some women experience breast pain, especially when engaging in vigorous physical activity. A properly fitted sports bra, which compresses or encapsulates breast tissue, is designed to reduce pain caused by exercise. [18] [19] [20]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammography</span> Process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening

Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through detection of characteristic masses or microcalcifications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biopsy</span> Medical test involving extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination

A biopsy is a medical test commonly performed by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist. The process involves extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence or extent of a disease. The tissue is then fixed, dehydrated, embedded, sectioned, stained and mounted before it is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist; it may also be analyzed chemically. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. An incisional biopsy or core biopsy samples a portion of the abnormal tissue without attempting to remove the entire lesion or tumor. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle in such a way that cells are removed without preserving the histological architecture of the tissue cells, the procedure is called a needle aspiration biopsy. Biopsies are most commonly performed for insight into possible cancerous or inflammatory conditions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ganglion cyst</span> Medical condition

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled bump associated with a joint or tendon sheath. It most often occurs at the back of the wrist, followed by the front of the wrist. Onset is often over several months, typically with no further symptoms. Occasionally, pain or numbness may occur. Complications may include carpal tunnel syndrome.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baker's cyst</span> Medical condition

A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a type of fluid collection behind the knee. Often there are no symptoms. If symptoms do occur these may include swelling and pain behind the knee, or knee stiffness. If the cyst breaks open, pain may significantly increase with swelling of the calf. Rarely complications such as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, ischemia, or compartment syndrome may occur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nipple discharge</span> Medical condition

Nipple discharge is fluid from the nipple, with or without squeezing the breast. The discharge can be milky, clear, green, purulent, bloody, or faintly yellow. The consistency can be thick, thin, sticky, or watery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fibroadenoma</span> Medical condition

Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumours characterized by an admixture of stromal and epithelial tissue. Breasts are made of lobules and ducts. These are surrounded by glandular, fibrous and fatty tissues. Fibroadenomas develop from the lobules. The glandular tissue and ducts grow over the lobule to form a solid lump.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fine-needle aspiration</span>

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a diagnostic procedure used to investigate lumps or masses. In this technique, a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the mass for sampling of cells that, after being stained, are examined under a microscope (biopsy). The sampling and biopsy considered together are called fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Fine-needle aspiration biopsies are very safe minor surgical procedures. Often, a major surgical biopsy can be avoided by performing a needle aspiration biopsy instead, eliminating the need for hospitalization. In 1981, the first fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the United States was done at Maimonides Medical Center. Today, this procedure is widely used in the diagnosis of cancer and inflammatory conditions.

Breast pain is the symptom of discomfort in either one or both breasts. Pain in both breasts is often described as breast tenderness, is usually associated with the menstrual period and is not serious. Pain that involves only one part of a breast is more concerning, particularly if a hard mass or nipple discharge is also present.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fibrocystic breast changes</span> Medical condition

Fibrocystic breast changes is a condition of the breasts where there may be pain, breast cysts, and breast masses. The breasts may be described as "lumpy" or "doughy". Symptoms may worsen during certain parts of the menstrual cycle due to hormonal stimulation. These are normal breast changes, not associated with cancer.

Breast diseases make up a number of conditions. The most common symptoms are a breast mass, breast pain, and nipple discharge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thyroid nodule</span> Medical condition

Thyroid nodules are nodules which commonly arise within an otherwise normal thyroid gland. They may be hyperplastic or tumorous, but only a small percentage of thyroid tumors are malignant. Small, asymptomatic nodules are common, and often go unnoticed. Nodules that grow larger or produce symptoms may eventually need medical care. A goitre may have one nodule – uninodular, multiple nodules – multinodular, or be diffuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breast cancer screening</span> Medical screening of asymptomatic, healthy women for breast cancer

Breast cancer screening is the medical screening of asymptomatic, apparently healthy women for breast cancer in an attempt to achieve an earlier diagnosis. The assumption is that early detection will improve outcomes. A number of screening tests have been employed, including clinical and self breast exams, mammography, genetic screening, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Malignant pleural effusion is a condition in which cancer causes an abnormal amount of fluid to collect between the thin layers of tissue (pleura) lining the outside of the lung and the wall of the chest cavity. Lung cancer and breast cancer account for about 50-65% of malignant pleural effusions. Other common causes include pleural mesothelioma and lymphoma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salivary gland tumour</span> Medical condition

Salivary gland tumours, also known as mucous gland adenomas or neoplasms, are tumours that form in the tissues of salivary glands. The salivary glands are classified as major or minor. The major salivary glands consist of the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. The minor salivary glands consist of 800 to 1000 small mucus-secreting glands located throughout the lining of the oral cavity. Patients with these types of tumours may be asymptomatic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fat necrosis</span> Medical condition

Fat necrosis is a form of necrosis characterized by the action upon fat by digestive enzymes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breast mass</span> Localized swellings that feel different from the surrounding tissue

A breast mass, also known as a breast lump, is a localized swelling that feel different from the surrounding tissue. Breast pain, nipple discharge, or skin changes may be present. Concerning findings include masses that are hard, do not move easily, are of an irregular shape, or are firmly attached to surrounding tissue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breast ultrasound</span>

Breast ultrasound is the use of medical ultrasonography to perform imaging of the breast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breast biopsy</span>

A breast biopsy is usually done after a suspicious lesion is discovered on either mammography or ultrasound to get tissue for pathological diagnosis. Several methods for a breast biopsy now exist. The most appropriate method of biopsy for a patient depends upon a variety of factors, including the size, location, appearance and characteristics of the abnormality. The different types of breast biopsies include fine-needle aspiration (FNA), vacuum-assisted biopsy, core needle biopsy, and surgical excision biopsy. Breast biopsies can be done under ultrasound, MRI or a stereotactic biopsy technique. Vacuum assisted biopsies are typically done using stereotactic techniques when the suspicious lesion can only be seen on mammography. On average, 5-10 biopsies of a suspicious breast lesion will lead to the diagnosis of one case of breast cancer.

Breast hematoma is a collection of blood within the breast. It arises from internal bleeding (hemorrhage) and may arise due to trauma or due to a non-traumatic cause.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breast imaging</span>

In medicine, breast imaging is a sub-speciality of diagnostic radiology that involves imaging of the breasts for screening or diagnostic purposes. There are various methods of breast imaging using a variety of technologies as described in detail below. Traditional screening and diagnostic mammography uses x-ray technology. Breast tomosynthesis is a new digital mammography technique that produces 3D images of the breast using x-rays. Xeromammography and Galactography also use x-ray technology and are also used infrequently in the detection of breast cancer. Breast ultrasound is another technology employed in diagnosis & screening and specifically can help differentiate between fluid filled and solid lumps that can help determine if cancerous. Breast MRI is, yet, another technology reserved for high-risk patients and can help determine the extent of cancer if diagnosed. Lastly, scintimammography is used in a subgroup of patients who have abnormal mammograms or whose screening is not reliable on the basis of using traditional mammography or ultrasound.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mayo Clinic Staff (9 November 2012). "Breast cysts". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2015-05-16.
  2. ↑ Victor C. Strasburger (2006). Adolescent Medicine: A Handbook for Primary Care. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 228. ISBN   978-0-7817-5315-9.
  3. ↑ "Breast Cysts" . Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  4. ↑ Mayo Clinic Staff (9 November 2012). "Breast cysts Symptoms". Mayo Clinic. Archived from the original on 26 July 2015. Retrieved 2015-05-16.
  5. ↑ Daniel J. Dronkers; J. H. C. L. Hendriks (1 January 2011). Practice of Mammography: Pathology - Technique - Interpretation - Adjunct Modalities. Thieme. p. 130. ISBN   978-3-13-160601-3.
  6. 1 2 Daly CP, Bailey JE, Klein KA, Helvie MA (May 2008). "Complicated breast cysts on sonography: is aspiration necessary to exclude malignancy?". Acad Radiol. 15 (5): 610–7. doi:10.1016/j.acra.2007.12.018. PMID   18423318.
  7. ↑ "What are breast cysts?" . Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  8. ↑ Veena Chowdhury; Arun Kumar Gupta; Niranjan Khandelwal; et al., eds. (2012). Diagnostic Radiology: Musculoskeletal and Breast Imaging. JP Medical Ltd. p. 484. ISBN   978-93-5025-883-5.
  9. ↑ "Tests and diagnosis" . Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  10. ↑ "Breast Cyst Treatment Alternatives". Archived from the original on 2010-06-28. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  11. ↑ , Cruz C, Villamin J, Ranjan D, Suntay M, Henry J. Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy and Excision Biopsy of a Cystic Mass in the Right Breast (Male). J Med Ins. 2019;2019(268.3) doi:https://jomi.com/article/268.3
  12. ↑ , Cruz C, Villamin J, Ranjan D, Suntay M, Henry J. Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy and Excision Biopsy of a Cystic Mass in the Right Breast (Male). J Med Ins. 2019;2019(268.3) doi:https://jomi.com/article/268.3
  13. ↑ , Cruz C, Villamin J, Ranjan D, Suntay M, Henry J. Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy and Excision Biopsy of a Cystic Mass in the Right Breast (Male). J Med Ins. 2019;2019(268.3) doi:https://jomi.com/article/268.3
  14. ↑ "Treatments and drugs" . Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  15. ↑ Dixon JM, McDonald C, Elton RA, Miller WR (May 1999). "Risk of breast cancer in women with palpable breast cysts: a prospective study. Edinburgh Breast Group". Lancet. 353 (9166): 1742–5. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(98)06408-3. PMID   10347986. S2CID   54392159.
  16. ↑ Alexander N. Sencha (24 October 2014). Imaging of Male Breast Cancer. Springer. p. 115. ISBN   978-3-319-06050-7.
  17. ↑ Chen L, Chantra PK, Larsen LH, Barton P, Rohitopakarn M, Zhu EQ, Bassett LW (2006). "Imaging characteristics of malignant lesions of the male breast". Radiographics (Review). 26 (4): 993–1006. doi:10.1148/rg.264055116. PMID   16844928.
  18. ↑ Greenbaum AR, Heslop T, Morris J, Dunn KW (April 2003). "An investigation of the suitability of bra fit in women referred for reduction mammaplasty". British Journal of Plastic Surgery. 56 (3): 230–6. doi:10.1016/S0007-1226(03)00122-X. PMID   12859918.
  19. ↑ Hadi MS (November 2000). "Sports Brassiere: Is It a Solution for Mastalgia?". The Breast Journal. 6 (6): 407–409. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4741.2000.20018.x. PMID   11348400. S2CID   46191435.
  20. ↑ Mason BR, Page KA, Fallon K (June 1999). "An analysis of movement and discomfort of the female breast during exercise and the effects of breast support in three cases". Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2 (2): 134–44. doi:10.1016/S1440-2440(99)80193-5. PMID   10476977.
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