Risks
Cysts occupy a certain space in the mammary gland tissue and push it to the side. This constant pressure on the tissue can also cause it to recede somewhat. The glandular tissue does not grow as well and eventually the breast may appear smaller.
This is one of the reasons why larger cysts should be relieved. With cysts there is also a small residual risk that the cells will continue to differentiate into other cell types. Thus papillomas can develop from the wall of the cyst. Papillomas are generally also benign tumors, but even these cells can degenerate in 10 – 15% of patients. It is also somewhat less common for malignant tumors, the carcinomas, to develop from the cyst wall.
Remove
Removing a cyst from the breast can be done by puncture or surgical intervention. A cyst is removed by surgery especially when there is a suspicion of possible degeneration. In some examination pictures, it is sometimes not possible to clearly identify whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Also in women with a known mastopathy or known cases of breast cancer in the family, patients are advised to remove the cysts.The diagnosis can then secure a histological sample collection. The patient is given a short general anaesthetic for surgery. Depending on the location of the cyst, access to the cyst can be through an incision below the breast in the breast crease or at the outer edge near the armpit.
Finally, the doctor prepares the cyst freely and then removes it together with the capsule. Care is taken not to tear the cyst or damage the capsule. This is especially important if malignancy is suspected.
If the cyst wall is injured, degenerated cells can then be transferred to healthy tissue, which could mean the growth of a tumor. The cyst is then sent to the laboratory for detailed examination and to ensure the diagnosis.