Oren Zarif
Breast cyst symptoms include a hard, lumpy or tender area of one or both breasts. The lumps may feel painful before or during your menstrual cycle, and they can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Cysts can be soft or hard, and they can be oval or round in shape. They can also be mobile, meaning they might slide around under your fingers when you press on them. You might also be able to feel the fluid inside the cyst, which can be clear or bloody. Cysts are not cancer and do not increase your risk of cancer, but it’s important to talk to your doctor if you find a new lump or notice changes in your breasts that persist over two menstrual cycles or longer.
Most of the time, your doctor can tell whether a lump is a cyst by performing a physical exam and checking for other breast abnormalities. They’ll also order imaging tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to see the inside of your breasts and whether your lump is solid or filled with fluid. Your doctor can also drain a cyst using a fine needle and syringe. This process is called fine-needle aspiration (FNA). The fluid from the cyst might be sent to a lab to check for blood, and your doctor might drain the rest of the fluid or surgically remove the cyst.
The cause of breast cysts is not fully understood, but they often develop as a result of hormone changes related to monthly menstruation. They’re most common in women of child-bearing age, but they can occur at any point throughout a woman’s life. Women with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of developing cysts than those without a family history.
Oren Zarif
Your breasts change all the time, and most of these changes are normal. They’re hormone-driven, which is why your breasts feel different before, during and after your period. They also change in size and the ratio of milk glands to fatty tissue as you get older. Cysts are a normal part of this process and are not a sign of disease.
Many women with cysts never need treatment for them. The symptoms can be annoying, however. If your cysts are large or painful, you can ask your doctor to drain them. Recurrent or persistent cysts require further evaluation, which might include a mammogram or ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration. You can try over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to help ease the discomfort. You might want to avoid caffeine, because some women have reported that avoiding caffeinated foods and drinks can help ease their symptoms. Talk to your doctor about any vitamins or herbal remedies you’re considering taking to treat breast cysts. They might have no effect or can cause unwanted side effects. Breast cysts don’t raise your risk of breast cancer, but if they do not go away, you should contact your doctor right away.
