Symptoms
Most cysts usually do not cause any symptoms. Many women do not notice that they have a cyst in their breast. Therefore, it is often a coincidence if it is discovered during the gynecological examination.
Larger and moreover bulging cysts filled with fluid can be seen more easily. Sometimes they are palpated by the patient herself or, above a certain size, a visible swelling can occur. Also in side comparison, one breast may be larger than the other.
Cysts caused by the cycle fluctuate in size and can therefore be detected or remain undetected. As with other symptoms during menstruation, the cyst in the breast can also cause discomfort depending on the stage of the cycle. These include mild to moderate pain or even hypersensitivity of the breast to touch, the wearing of bras and bumps. In some cases, cysts can also lead to secretions from the nipple. The occasional discharge of secretion can therefore also be an indication of a breast cyst.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a cyst in the breast is made using various examination methods. Many women regularly palpate their breasts themselves, as it is a preventive measure to detect changes at an early stage. But palpating a breast cyst is not easy, because often a cyst is only palpable from a size of one centimeter.
In addition, the glandular tissue itself can also be palpated and mistaken for a cyst. During a gynecological examination, the doctor also palpates both breasts of the woman. Due to his experience and training, he can also better feel smaller cysts.
However, cysts are ultimately best detected in an ultrasound image. There they can also be determined for their size.Furthermore, the ultrasound examination provides information about the liquid content and the wall thickness of the capsule. In some cases, the content of the cyst makes it impossible to distinguish clearly between a benign cyst or a malignant lump.
If a malignant tumor is suspected, a tissue sample should therefore be taken for further diagnostics, which is then examined histologically. If the suspicion persists, further examination methods can be used for differentiation. For example, a mammography using X-rays can provide an exact image of the breast. In these images, commercial changes can be seen very clearly and the position and size can be determined directly. Which examinations are performed depends on whether the doctor cannot clearly determine whether the cyst is harmless.