What Is a Breast Cyst?

Breast cysts are divided into simple cysts (also called breast cystic hyperplasia) and breast cysts. Both are benign lesions, covered with a thin layer of epithelial tissue, the contents of the capsule are mostly liquid, and the B-ultrasound is an echogenic nodule. Simple breast cysts are mainly benign lesions caused by ovarian dysfunction. Breast cysts are formed due to ovarian dysfunction, decreased progesterone secretion, and increased estrogen secretion in the body, leading to hyperplasia and shedding of the mammary glands, causing high expansion of lobular tubules and peripheral mammary ducts and cystic changes. Clinically, simple cysts of the breast can be self-limiting. After 3 years or more, the lesions can stop, but sometimes they can continue, eventually causing cancer, but the chance is small.

Basic Information

Causes of breast cysts

Simple cysts are most common in breast cysts. Mainly due to endocrine disorders caused by ductal epithelial hyperplasia, resulting in duct extension, tortuosity, and folding. The wall of the folded place was necrotic due to ischemia, forming a cyst. Breast cysts, also known as milk retention cysts, are rarer than simple cysts. They are mainly due to a blockage of a duct during the lactation period and the formation of cysts due to milk stasis.

Clinical manifestations of breast cysts

Simple cyst

Simple cysts are most common in breast cysts, mainly due to ductal epithelial hyperplasia due to endocrine disorders, and increased tube cells, which cause the catheter to extend, tortuous, and fold. The wall of the fold is necrotic due to ischemia and forms a cyst.

Simple breast cysts are common in middle-aged women. Round or oval breast lumps are the main symptoms. Cysts can be single or multiple. Solitary masses often grow rapidly and are easily confused with breast cancer. Cysts often change with the menstrual cycle and are accompanied by premenstrual breast tenderness. To confirm the diagnosis, molybdenum target X-ray, ultrasound and needle aspiration cytology can be used. If it is still ineffective after multiple punctures, or if cytological or histological examination confirms epithelial hyperplasia or papillomatosis, surgery should be performed.

2. Breast cyst

Breast cysts, also known as milk retention cysts, are rarer than simple cysts. They are mainly due to the obstruction of a duct during breastfeeding and the formation of cysts. Breast cysts can be found in any part of the breast, and most often occur in the deep part of the breast. They often occur during pregnancy or after breastfeeding.

Breast cysts are clinically characterized by breast lumps. The lumps are mostly round or oval, with smooth surfaces, sexy cysts, clear boundaries, large mobility, and no adhesion to the skin. In the secondary infection, inflammatory reactions such as local swelling and heat pain can be seen, and ipsilateral axillary can touch the enlarged lymph nodes. Larger cysts, longer history, and recurrent infections, surgery should be removed.

Breast cyst examination

Palpation of the breast

Check for bumps with clear boundaries, good mobility, and smooth surfaces. Pay attention to the possibility of breast cysts.

2. Breast ultrasound and mammography

Breast ultrasound is of great help in diagnosis. For thick-walled cysts, uneven walls, or visible protrusions on the wall, the possibility of malignant changes should be considered. Breast molybdenum target examination can find some cystic changes that have malignant changes (with clusters or punctate calcification).

Breast cyst diagnosis

Can be diagnosed based on clinical manifestations and test results.

Breast cyst treatment

General treatment

Most breast cysts do not require surgery, and clinical observation is mainly based on follow-up observation. In addition, some malignant tumors, such as breast mucinous carcinoma, are mainly characterized by cysts. Therefore, breast cysts with thickening of the cyst wall and cyst wall neoplasms can be considered for resection and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Surgical treatment

When excision is required, care should be taken to completely remove the breast cyst. If it is a malignant disease, it should be treated according to the principle of breast cancer.

Breast cyst prevention

For breast cysts, milk excretion should be promoted during lactation to avoid the occurrence of acute mastitis and reduce the incidence of breast cysts.