Breasts are susceptible to a lot of changes with age due to hormonal fluctuations in a woman’s body. This makes cysts common in premenopausal women or those on hormone replacement therapy. The general age when a woman develops a cyst is closer to the age she can develop cancer, thus raising concerns over a cyst more than what is associated with a fibroadenoma.
What is a Breast Cyst?
Clinically, it is defined as nothing more than a fluid filled lump present in one or both breasts either alone or in clusters. The fluid is either clear or turbid and can look pale or very dark in color. With a cyst, the lump feels smooth and firm, moves easily and may be tender and sometimes, painful. An irregular swelling is felt if multiple cysts are grouped together. Hormonal changes in a woman affect breasts, hence these cysts may increase in size or become more tender before a period.
Why is It a Cause for Concern?
As mentioned above, these cysts appear as lumps in women closer to the age of developing breast cancer and therefore heighten anxiety in such women. The other reasons include:
- Some breast cancers present as cysts, posing a diagnostic challenge.
- Cysts can recur and there is some evidence that correlates recurring cysts to an increased risk of cancer.
- Moreover, the recurrent nature of these cysts often calls for regular visits to clinics for assessment.
What is Done to Confirm Diagnosis?
Ultrasound is used to differentiate a cyst from cancerous lumps. Since cysts are fluid filled, ultrasound waves pass right through them, unlike solid cancerous lumps which reflects the waves right back at the film.
Fine needle aspiration presents a more assertive diagnosis. The lump disappears after draining off the fluid. However, if the fluid is blood stained or the lump still remains, further microscopic testing needs to be done to eliminate cancer.
When Should You Go Back to Your Clinic?
Although most cysts go away without the need for any treatment, at least 30% of cysts refill and need to be drained off as and when need occurs. Visit your GP the moment your cyst refills or you see a new one developing and have them checked. However, if you feel your cysts refill continuously, surgical biopsy may be advised to remove them completely.
Having breast cysts does not increase your risk of breast cancer. But if you notice any further changes to your breast, head to your clinic immediately.
