A breast cyst is a type of breast tissue dysplasia, which is a localized benign change in the breast tissue. Cysts are typically seen as fluid-filled sacs, grape-like when palpated. They primarily affect women between the ages of 35 and 50 but can occur at any age. Cysts are one of the most common benign formation in mammary glands, and are quite wide-spread – up to 50% of women are likely to experience this phenomenon after the age of 35.
During a physical examination, breast cysts are palpable as either soft or firm lumps, usually resempling a soft grape or tiny water-filled balloon, and they are well-identifiable via ultrasound imaging.
Breast cysts can be classified as simple or complex based on their structure. Simple breast cysts can manifest as single or multiple formations in breast tissue, and are characterized by being “transparent” – they are filled with clear fluid. They typically remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally during routine ultrasound or mammographic breast examinations, though sometimes they may cause mild pain or increased breast tenderness.
Complex cysts have solid debris floating inside fluid and may present irregular growth on the sac surface. Complex cysts pose higher risk of malignant transformation, and must be addressed as soon as possible after discovery.
The removal of a breast cyst requires preparation, which includes consultation with the operating surgeon, laboratory and ultrasound diagnostics, and, in certain cases, involvement of a mammologist.
The procedure itself involves aspiration of the breast cyst. A thin needle, guided by ultrasound examination, is inserted into the lesion. The entire contents of the cyst are aspirated, causing its walls to collapse and adhere, while the cavity itself closes. This approach is practically painless and known for its reliability. Additionally, it leaves no marks on the skin. If cysts turn out to be complex during preliminary examination, more invasive techniques may be applied, to remove the formation completely and gather material for histological analysis.
To ensure optimal procedure selection and execution, and get necessary recovery assistance, as well as address the cause of lesion formation and prevent the possibility of recurrence, you can avail yourself to the services of Alpha Cell Centre for Regenerative Medicine. We take pride in our quality of medical care, approach each patient individually and grant postoperative care and rehabilitation.
If the walls of the cyst are thin and there are no growths inside, it is called a simple cyst. Simple cysts that do not cause discomfort do not require treatment, though they definitely should be periodically observed.
The exact reasons and formation mechanisms are still unclear, though it is known that trauma, hormonal balance shifts and certain genetic factors may contribute to development of such formations.
The key diagnostic feature of a cyst is the liquid content, while fibroadenoma is generally characterized as a solid formation. Both types of formations are considered to be benign, though regular mammography is highly recommended in any case.
