Breast cyst

A cyst is the most common type of breast neoplasm that women most often go to the mammology office for.

Cystic formations are considered benign, but require careful diagnosis in order to exclude more dangerous diseases. At the EMC clinic, patients are admitted by doctors with many years of experience and work experience in the best Russian and global specialized medical institutions.

Breast cysts belong to a broad group of benign breast changes. The group includes other pathologies, but it is cystic formations that usually cause the greatest concern in women.

Causes of pathology

The breast is based on fat and connective tissue, which forms the volume of the female breast. The structure of the breast proper includes the glandular body, which consists of 15-20 separate lobes located radially in the breast, like the petals of a flower, and separated by connective tissue. Large lobes are divided into small lobules, in which milk is secreted during pregnancy and lactation. Milk flows from the glands through the milk ducts to the nipple. Outside of pregnancy and lactation, breast lobules are normally inactive.

The exact causes of breast cysts have not yet been established. It is assumed that the mechanism of cyst formation is based on hormonal imbalance with an increase in estrogen and a decrease in progesterone. This leads to an overgrowth of connective tissue and an increase in the thickness of the epithelium. The hormonal theory is confirmed by the fact that after menopause, fibrocystic formations in many women decrease in size.

Studies show that throughout life, manifestations of fibrocystic mastopathy, which includes breast cysts, are noted in 70; 90% women. Among the possible causes of fibrocystic mastopathy, conditions affecting the hormonal background are listed, for example, endocrine diseases, ovarian dysfunction, treatment with hormonal drugs, etc. Although cysts can appear in women of reproductive age at any time, they are more often detected during premenopause.

Breast cysts: what are the types

Breast cysts are classified by size and type.

Depending on the size, the following are distinguished:

Structurally, benign breast growths are divided into the following types:

Symptoms of the disease

Small solitary (single) breast cysts may not manifest themselves in any way and may be discovered accidentally during an examination for another reason. Symptoms of fibrocystic fibrosis appear in about 20% of cases. At the same time, it is only possible to independently detect a nodule in the breast. 7% of women.

Large breast cysts are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• palpation of the breast reveals an elastic formation of a rounded or oval shape with smooth outlines, which easily shifts under the skin.;

• soreness in the area of the neoplasm caused by compression of adjacent tissues;

• pain and enlargement of the nodule in the breast in the last days before menstruation

Subjective symptoms do not allow you to independently distinguish between benign and malignant neoplasms. Therefore, if any unusual sensations or changes from the breast are detected, it is necessary to consult a specialist who will be able to determine the nature of the neoplasm and prescribe modern treatment.

Breast cyst diagnosis

At the initial appointment, the doctor conducts a survey of the patient about breast cancer or unpleasant symptoms. The patient's family history regarding cancer, the age of menarche, the dependence of symptoms on the menstrual cycle, breast injuries in the recent past, the presence and nature of discharge from the nipple, changes in breast skin and other symptoms are being clarified. Next, the doctor performs a physical examination — palpation of the mammary glands to identify any abnormalities. Palpation of the cervical and axillary lymph nodes is also performed.

During a physical examination, the doctor can confirm the presence of a nodule, but will not be able to determine its nature. To clarify it, more informative diagnostic procedures are needed.

Breast cyst: treatment, prognosis, prevention

With a confirmed diagnosis of a simple cyst, surgical treatment is not necessary in most cases. After removing the liquid contents, the patient undergoes a follow-up examination. In the future, periodic medical monitoring is indicated. If the cyst recurs and is accompanied by severe symptoms, hormonal medications (oral contraceptives) may be prescribed.

Complex cysts with heterogeneous contents require a more careful approach. If no abnormal cells were found after the biopsy, in most cases, dynamic surveillance tactics with regular examinations are recommended. Surgical treatment is necessary if:

Surgical operation to excise a cyst within healthy tissues is performed only by a doctor's decision, if indicated.

Make an appointment with a mammologist by phone + 7 499 490-91-42.