Breast cysts are sac-like growths in the breast with thick or thin fluid contents surrounded by a capsule. They may occur singly or in clusters.
What are breast cysts?
Not all lumps in the breast, indicate breast cancer. Nevertheless, they should be clarified in the mammogram. A breast cyst is an encapsulated cavity in the tissue, which is often filled with fluid. Initially, the term says nothing about whether they are malignant or benign changes. They can occur as solitary cysts in isolated cases or clustered in the context of diseases such as mastopathy, which is a benign change of the mammary gland tissue. In most cases, breast cysts do not cause any physical discomfort, so they are only noticed during self-examination of the breast or a professional palpation examination by a gynecologist. In some cases, a secretion leaks from the nipple. This appearance should be examined by a physician. It may be a sign of a breast cyst. If a cyst is suspected in the breast, a more detailed diagnosis is made with the help of an ultrasound examination. Occasionally, complementary examinations such as a mammogram are necessary to better examine breast cysts.
Causes
Breast cysts can develop when the outlets of the glandular lobules in the breast become blocked. The individual glandular lobules are separated from each other by the so-called mantle tissue, and the excretory ducts end in the main milk ducts of the female breast. Furthermore, cysts may be congenital in the form of a solitary cyst. However, the main cause of breast cysts is mastopathy, which affects women in menopause. This disease, which is also known as mammary gland dysplasia, causes changes in the breast tissue. It then results in tenderness and swelling of the breast, as well as the formation of lumps. Mastopathy is triggered by fluctuations in hormonal balance, which are characteristic of menopause. Therefore, breast cysts occur mostly in women between the ages of 45 and 55.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
In breast cysts, patients suffer from small nodules or thickenings that appear in the area of the breasts. In many cases, breast cysts are harmless and can be removed through a simple procedure in the process. However, if left untreated, the cysts can degenerate, leading to cancer and metastasis. This may also limit the patient’s life expectancy. The affected person may also experience secretion from the nipple due to the breast cysts. In many patients, the disease also leads to significantly reduced aesthetics and thus also to inferiority complexes or significantly reduced self-esteem. This can also lead to tension with one’s partner. Frequently, those affected also suffer from depression or other psychological upsets as a result. If the breast cysts are not treated, they can also spread to the surrounding areas and cause cysts or nodules there as well. Other symptoms usually do not occur if the tumor is not malignant. Breast cysts are very rarely associated with pain, although in some cases they can be itchy. Early therapy always has a positive effect on the further course of this complaint.
Diagnosis and course
Breast cysts are diagnosed with the help of various examination methods. If the cyst is larger than one centimeter, it can be palpated. An ultrasound examination reveals, wall thickness, size and location of the cyst. In order to exclude other diseases such as tumors, a mammography is usually performed afterwards. If further analysis of the cyst is required, the physician punctures the lump under ultrasound guidance. This allows the fluid obtained to be examined in detail under a microscope. Other diagnostic procedures include pneumocystography, which is accompanied by an X-ray, and a fine tissue analysis of the cyst. This is the only way to exclude that the cyst is not a sign of breast cancer. The further course of breast cysts is usually unproblematic. Some breast cysts regress on their own, while others require medical treatment.
Complications
A breast cyst can cause some complications.This can cause the cyst to burst, sometimes resulting in severe pain and life-threatening bleeding into the interior of the chest. If a breast cyst bursts, this can result in circulatory shock and death of the patient; in the case of malignant cysts, this can lead to infections and further growths in the chest cavity, among other things. Equally serious is stem rotation, in which the cyst rotates on its own axis within the breast. This can lead to strangulation of the blood vessels supplying the breast, resulting in circulatory problems and severe internal bleeding or even circulatory failure. A previously benign breast cyst can also undergo malignant degeneration. In this case, malignant cells develop within the cyst, often spreading unnoticed into the chest and abdominal cavity and causing severe complications. Bleeding cysts are also a risk factor. Permanent bleeding can lead to anemia, and in the case of malignant cysts, spread of the cells to other parts of the body is also possible. Prompt medical treatment of the breast cyst, accompanied by constant monitoring of the patient, greatly reduces the risk of serious complications.
When should you see a doctor?
To avoid further complications, breast cysts should always be examined by a physician. They do not have to be removed in every case; often, these cysts regress on their own. However, if they occur over a longer period of time, medical treatment is necessary. The patient should then consult a doctor if a secretion comes out of the nipple. Nodules or other thickening in the area of the breast can also indicate breast cysts and should be examined. Circulatory problems or mild pain in the breast should also be examined by a physician. Usually, the examination can be performed by a general practitioner or a gynecologist. Further treatment is not necessary in every case. The breast cysts can be removed. In case of acute symptoms, the hospital can be visited in this case. There, the diagnosis of breast cysts is relatively simple with the help of a mammogram or an X-ray.
Treatment and therapy
Fibroadenomas are common benign tumor-like neoplasms (1-2 cm large, painless, movable nodules) of the mammary gland. The therapy of breast cysts depends critically on the symptoms as well as the extent of the cysts. Simple single cysts often regress spontaneously. If the cyst does not disappear on its own and hurts, it can be punctured by the physician. This means that its contents are aspirated with a thin needle. After a certain time, the doctor will re-examine the once affected breast, as new cysts may have formed. If there is a tendency for cysts to form, the gynecologist may recommend taking the birth control pill. This suppresses the hormonal cycle, so that the tendency to cyst formation is also reduced. The gynecologist must assess with the patient individually whether this method of treatment makes sense. In doing so, he will take into account the personal needs of the woman concerned as well as the potential medical risks. Cysts that appear or persist after menopause as part of hormone therapy usually regress as soon as the hormones have been discontinued. In the case of so-called adipose tissue necrosis, treatment depends on the circumstances surrounding the condition. If it scars over, there are usually no problems. An oil cyst or milk cyst can also be punctured by the doctor. Breast cysts of the mammary cyst type have the ability to spontaneously regress.
Outlook and prognosis
If breast cysts are detected and treated early, the affected person has a good prognosis. The cysts can be removed in a surgical procedure. If the surgery goes smoothly, the patient’s recovery occurs with the removal of the cysts. After several weeks of recovery and recuperation, the patient is usually discharged as cured. However, there is a possibility of recurrence of the breast cysts. In many patients, recurrence can occur at any time and new cysts develop in the breast. It is therefore important to have regular check-ups to detect the formation of new cysts as soon as possible. The prognosis worsens as soon as the cysts are left untreated and burst as the disease progresses. In these cases, there is a life-threatening condition for the patient, requiring emergency medical intervention as soon as possible.If shock or delayed medical care occurs, the patient is at risk of death. If left untreated, breast cysts can take a malignant course. There is a risk of infection and further tissue changes in the breast area. The growths can spread unhindered. In these cases, the patient’s chance of recovery also deteriorates considerably. The longer treatment of breast cysts is left untreated, the higher the likelihood of complications occurring. In severe cases, the cysts spread to the patient’s abdomen.
Prevention
There are no general measures to prevent breast cysts. However, if changes in the breast are palpated, they should be medically clarified in order to detect serious diseases in time. Other preventive measures for breast cysts do not exist yet.
Follow-up care
Whether and which aftercare is useful and necessary for breast cysts depends on the type of cysts and the course of the disease. Benign cysts can be removed during surgery. Aftercare focuses on caring for any wounds as directed by the physician and watching for any unusual symptoms. Immediately after surgery, it is important to take it easy on the body. Sports and strenuous physical work should also be avoided for the first few days after surgery. Follow-up examinations usually take place every six months after surgery. Breast cysts that have regressed on their own do not require follow-up care, provided the patient does not have a history of them. Malignant breast cysts may require more extensive treatment. Follow-up care includes regular screenings to ensure that no further cysts have formed. In addition, any accompanying symptoms must be diagnosed and treated. Affected individuals should initially go for cancer screening every three months, then every six months and finally always after two years, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the age of the patient. Last, after treatment, the cause must be determined and corrected.
What you can do yourself
In the case of breast cysts, the most important measure is to go to the doctor. The physician can clarify the cause of the cysts and directly suggest an appropriate treatment. Accompanying the conventional medical therapy, various self-help tips and home remedies are available. If the cyst is a harmless growth, a change in eating habits is recommended. Avoiding highly sugary or fatty foods, cow’s milk products and red meat can reduce the risk of further cysts. A preventive effect is attributed to almonds, olive oil, spinach and other foods containing vitamins A and E. Green tea extract can also loosen cysts and relieve the pain and cramps that often accompany them. Regular breast massages stimulate blood circulation and smaller cysts (up to about two cm in size) should disappear after some time. Chinese herbal mixtures as well as acupuncture also help against small breast cysts. Any self-measures should be clarified with the doctor in charge to avoid complications. In general, if the breast cyst persists or is suddenly associated with discomfort, it is essential to consult a doctor.
