Summary about Disease
Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breast. They are very common, benign (non-cancerous) findings, particularly in women in their 30s and 40s, but can occur at any age. They are not related to breast cancer risk. Cysts can be single or multiple, and can vary in size. Some cysts are so small they can't be felt, while others are large enough to be felt as a lump.
Symptoms
Symptoms of breast cysts may include:
A smooth, easily movable round or oval lump in the breast that may or may not be tender.
Breast pain or tenderness in the area of the lump.
Nipple discharge that may be clear, straw-colored, or dark brown.
Changes in breast size or lump size associated with the menstrual cycle.
Sometimes no symptoms at all, with the cyst only being discovered during a mammogram or ultrasound.
Causes
The exact cause of breast cysts isn't fully understood, but they are thought to develop due to hormonal changes, particularly an excess of estrogen. Cysts form when fluid accumulates inside breast glands.
Medicine Used
There is usually no medicine needed to treat breast cysts. Many cysts resolve on their own. If a cyst is large, painful, or causing concern, treatment options (which are not medicines) include:
Fine-needle aspiration: A needle is inserted into the cyst to drain the fluid.
Surgical removal: Rarely necessary, only if the cyst is causing significant discomfort, is unusually large, or has suspicious characteristics.
Hormonal therapy (e.g., birth control pills): May be considered in some cases to reduce the recurrence of cysts, but is not routinely used.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) may be used to manage pain.
Is Communicable
No, breast cysts are not communicable. They are not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent breast cysts, as the exact cause is unknown. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and discussing any breast changes with a healthcare provider is important. Regular breast self-exams and mammograms (as recommended by a doctor) are essential for early detection of any breast abnormalities, including cysts.
How long does an outbreak last?
Breast cysts don't have an "outbreak" like an infectious disease. A single cyst may last for a few weeks, months, or even years. Some cysts resolve on their own, while others may require drainage or remain stable. The duration can vary greatly. New cysts may form at any time.
How is it diagnosed?
Breast cysts are typically diagnosed through:
Physical exam: A doctor can feel the lump and assess its characteristics.
Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast to evaluate the lump and surrounding tissue.
Ultrasound: A painless test that uses sound waves to create an image of the breast. An ultrasound can determine if a lump is solid or fluid-filled.
Fine-needle aspiration: A needle is inserted into the cyst to withdraw fluid. The fluid can be examined under a microscope to rule out cancer.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary:
A cyst may appear suddenly.
It may be more noticeable or painful around the time of menstruation.
Some cysts may remain stable in size for a long period.
Some cysts may resolve spontaneously over time.
New cysts can develop at any point.
Important Considerations
See a doctor: Any new breast lump or change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out breast cancer.
Benign condition: Breast cysts are almost always benign.
Recurrence: Cysts can recur, even after drainage.
Anxiety: Discovering a breast lump can cause anxiety. Discussing concerns with a doctor can help alleviate fears.
Follow-up: Depending on the size and characteristics of the cyst, a doctor may recommend follow-up appointments or imaging studies.