Breast cyst: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Breast cyst
| image          = [[File:Ultrasound_Scan_ND_0112144335_1445010.png|left|thumb|Ultrasound image of a breast cyst]]
| caption        = Ultrasound image of a breast cyst
| field          = [[Gynecology]], [[Oncology]]
| symptoms        = [[Breast pain]], [[breast lump]]
| complications  = Rarely, [[infection]]
| onset          = [[Reproductive age]]
| duration        = Variable
| causes          = [[Hormonal changes]]
| risks          = [[Hormone replacement therapy]], [[age]]
| diagnosis      = [[Ultrasound]], [[mammography]]
| differential    = [[Breast cancer]], [[fibroadenoma]]
| treatment      = [[Aspiration]], [[surgical removal]]
| medication      = [[Pain relievers]]
| frequency      = Common in women aged 35-50
}}
{{Short description|An overview of breast cysts, their diagnosis, and management}}
{{Short description|An overview of breast cysts, their diagnosis, and management}}
==Breast Cyst==
==Breast Cyst==
A '''breast cyst''' is a fluid-filled sac within the [[breast]] tissue. They are common in women and can vary in size. Breast cysts are typically benign and are often found in women in their 30s and 40s.
A '''breast cyst''' is a fluid-filled sac within the [[breast]] tissue. They are common in women and can vary in size. Breast cysts are typically benign and are often found in women in their 30s and 40s.
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
Breast cysts develop as a result of hormonal changes in the body. They are part of a condition known as [[fibrocystic breast changes]], which is characterized by lumpy, painful breasts. The cysts form when fluid accumulates in the breast lobules, leading to the formation of a palpable mass.
Breast cysts develop as a result of hormonal changes in the body. They are part of a condition known as [[fibrocystic breast changes]], which is characterized by lumpy, painful breasts. The cysts form when fluid accumulates in the breast lobules, leading to the formation of a palpable mass.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
Breast cysts can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms such as:
Breast cysts can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms such as:
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* Breast tenderness or pain
* Breast tenderness or pain
* Fluctuation in size with the menstrual cycle
* Fluctuation in size with the menstrual cycle
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of a breast cyst typically involves:
The diagnosis of a breast cyst typically involves:
===Clinical Examination===
===Clinical Examination===
A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to assess the characteristics of the lump.
A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to assess the characteristics of the lump.
===Imaging===
===Imaging===
[[Mammography]] and [[ultrasound]] are commonly used imaging techniques to evaluate breast cysts. Ultrasound is particularly useful in distinguishing cysts from solid masses.
[[Mammography]] and [[ultrasound]] are commonly used imaging techniques to evaluate breast cysts. Ultrasound is particularly useful in distinguishing cysts from solid masses.
===Needle Aspiration===
===Needle Aspiration===
[[File:Needle_biopsy.jpg|thumb|right|Needle biopsy of a breast cyst]]
[[File:Needle_biopsy.jpg|left|thumb|Needle biopsy of a breast cyst]]
Needle aspiration can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. During this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the cyst to withdraw fluid. If the fluid is clear and the lump disappears, the diagnosis of a simple cyst is confirmed.
Needle aspiration can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. During this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the cyst to withdraw fluid. If the fluid is clear and the lump disappears, the diagnosis of a simple cyst is confirmed.
==Management==
==Management==
Most breast cysts do not require treatment unless they are large or painful. Management options include:
Most breast cysts do not require treatment unless they are large or painful. Management options include:
===Observation===
===Observation===
Simple cysts that are asymptomatic can be monitored with regular follow-up.
Simple cysts that are asymptomatic can be monitored with regular follow-up.
===Aspiration===
===Aspiration===
If a cyst is painful or causes discomfort, needle aspiration can be performed to relieve symptoms.
If a cyst is painful or causes discomfort, needle aspiration can be performed to relieve symptoms.
===Surgical Intervention===
===Surgical Intervention===
Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if a cyst recurs frequently or has suspicious features.
Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if a cyst recurs frequently or has suspicious features.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
Breast cysts are generally benign and do not increase the risk of [[breast cancer]]. However, regular monitoring is recommended to ensure no changes occur.
Breast cysts are generally benign and do not increase the risk of [[breast cancer]]. However, regular monitoring is recommended to ensure no changes occur.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Breast cancer]]
* [[Breast cancer]]
* [[Fibrocystic breast changes]]
* [[Fibrocystic breast changes]]
* [[Mammography]]
* [[Mammography]]
* [[Ultrasound]]
* [[Ultrasound]]
[[Category:Breast disorders]]
[[Category:Breast disorders]]

Latest revision as of 19:33, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Breast cyst
Ultrasound image of a breast cyst
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Breast pain, breast lump
Complications Rarely, infection
Onset Reproductive age
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Hormonal changes
Risks Hormone replacement therapy, age
Diagnosis Ultrasound, mammography
Differential diagnosis Breast cancer, fibroadenoma
Prevention N/A
Treatment Aspiration, surgical removal
Medication Pain relievers
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common in women aged 35-50
Deaths N/A


An overview of breast cysts, their diagnosis, and management


Breast Cyst[edit]

A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac within the breast tissue. They are common in women and can vary in size. Breast cysts are typically benign and are often found in women in their 30s and 40s.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Breast cysts develop as a result of hormonal changes in the body. They are part of a condition known as fibrocystic breast changes, which is characterized by lumpy, painful breasts. The cysts form when fluid accumulates in the breast lobules, leading to the formation of a palpable mass.

Symptoms[edit]

Breast cysts can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms such as:

  • A palpable lump in the breast
  • Breast tenderness or pain
  • Fluctuation in size with the menstrual cycle

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of a breast cyst typically involves:

Clinical Examination[edit]

A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to assess the characteristics of the lump.

Imaging[edit]

Mammography and ultrasound are commonly used imaging techniques to evaluate breast cysts. Ultrasound is particularly useful in distinguishing cysts from solid masses.

Needle Aspiration[edit]

Needle biopsy of a breast cyst

Needle aspiration can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. During this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the cyst to withdraw fluid. If the fluid is clear and the lump disappears, the diagnosis of a simple cyst is confirmed.

Management[edit]

Most breast cysts do not require treatment unless they are large or painful. Management options include:

Observation[edit]

Simple cysts that are asymptomatic can be monitored with regular follow-up.

Aspiration[edit]

If a cyst is painful or causes discomfort, needle aspiration can be performed to relieve symptoms.

Surgical Intervention[edit]

Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if a cyst recurs frequently or has suspicious features.

Prognosis[edit]

Breast cysts are generally benign and do not increase the risk of breast cancer. However, regular monitoring is recommended to ensure no changes occur.

See also[edit]