Breast Cysts

Question 1

What is a breast cyst?

Answer 1

A fluid-filled sac within the breast

Question 2

Are breast cysts cancerous?

Answer 2

Not normally

Question 3

Can a breast have more than one breat cyst?

Answer 3

Yes, it can have one or more

Question 4

What do breasts contain?

Answer 4

Lobes of glandular tissue, arranged like the petals of a daisy

Question 5

What are the lobes of the breasts divided into?

Answer 5

Smaller lobules

Question 6

What is the purpose of the lobules of the breast?

Answer 6

They produce milk during pregnancy and breast feeding

Question 7

What do breast cysts develop as a result of?

Answer 7

Fluid accumulation inside the glands of the breast

Question 8

It causes breast cyst?

Answer 8

Unknown, but may develop as a result of hormonal changes from monthly mensturation

Question 9

What hormone is involved in breast cyst formation?

Answer 9

Oestrogen

Question 10

How is oestrogen involved in the formation of breast cysts?

Answer 10

Some evidence suggests that excess oestrogen in the body stimulates breast tissue and may contribute to breast cysts

Question 11

What are breast cysts classified on the basis of?

Answer 11

Size

Question 12

What are the classifications of breast cysts?

Answer 12

• Microcysts
• Macrocysts

Question 13

Can you feel microcysts?

Answer 13

No, they are too small too feel

Question 14

When might microcysts be seen?

Answer 14

During imaging tests such as mammography or ultrasound

Question 15

Can macrocysts be felt?

Answer 15

Yes, they are large enough

Question 16

How big are macrocysts?

Answer 16

They can grow to around 1-2 inches in diameter

Question 17

What problems may large breast cysts cause?

Answer 17

They can put pressure on nearby breast tissue, causing breast pain or discomfort

Question 18

What are the symptoms of breast cysts?

Answer 18

• Palpable lump
• Nipple discharge
• Breat pain or tenderness
• Changes in breast lump around period

Question 19

Describe the lump in breast cysts

Answer 19

• Smooth
• Easily moveable
• Round or oval
• Distinct edges

Question 20

Describe the nipple discharge in breast cysts

Answer 20

May be clear, yellow, straw coloured, or dark brown

Question 21

Where is the pain or tenderness felt in breast cysts?

Answer 21

In the area of the breast lump

Question 22

How does the lump change with periods in breast cysts?

Answer 22

There is an increase in size or tenderness just before period, and a decrease in breast lump size and resolution of other symptoms after period

Question 23

Does having breast cysts increase the risk of breast cancer?

Answer 23

No

Question 24

What is the problem with breast cysts, regarding cancer?

Answer 24

They may make it more difficult to find new breast lumps or other changes that may need evaluation by a doctor

Question 25

What can be done about breast cysts making it more difficult to detect breast changes that may be cancerious?

Answer 25

Patients with breast cysts should be encouraged to familiarise themselves with how their breasts normally feel, so they know if there is a change

Question 26

What should anyone with a breast lump undergo?

Answer 26

Screening and diagnosis

Question 27

How are breast cysts investigated?

Answer 27

• Breast exam
• Diagnostic mammography and/or breast ultrasound

Based on these findings, they may be referred for a fine-needle aspiration or breast biopsy

Question 28

How does a breast cyst appear on ultrasound?

Answer 28

Usually as a fluid filled area

Question 29

How are breast cysts treated?

Answer 29

No treatment is required for simple breast cysts that are confirmed on ultrasound or after fine-needle aspiration

If treatment is desired or required, then options include;

• Fine needle aspiration
• Hormone use
• Surgery

Question 30

How can fine needle aspiration be used in breast cysts?

Answer 30

It can be used to diagnose and treat breast cysts

Question 31

How can fine-needle aspiration treat breast cysts?

Answer 31

It all the fluid is removed from the cyst at the time of diagnosis

Question 32

What happens if all the fluid is removed from a breast cyst at the time of diagnosis?

Answer 32

The lump will disappear, and the symptoms will resolve

Question 33

Why do some breast cysts require repeated drainage of the fluid?

Answer 33

As recurrent or new cysts are common

Question 34

When can repeat aspiration of breast cysts be considered?

Answer 34

If a breast cysts persists for 2-3 menstrual cycles, and grows larger

Question 35

What hormone therapy can be used in breast cysts?

Answer 35

Use of birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills) or other hormone therapies e.g. tamoxifen

Question 36

What effect might oral contraceptive pills have on breast cysts?

Answer 36

They may reduce the recurrence of breast cysts

Question 37

What is the problem with the use of hormone therapy in the management of breast cysts?

Answer 37

There is a possibility of serious side effectse

Question 38

What is the result of the potential for severe side effects when using hormonal therapy for breast cysts?

Answer 38

They are only recommended when patients have severe symptoms

Question 39

What is surgery required to remove a breast cyst?

Answer 39

Only in unusual circumstances, e.g. if an uncomfortable breast cyst reoccurs month after month, or if breast cyst contains blood-tinged fluid or shows other worrisome signs

Question 40

What home measures can be take to minimise the discomfort associated with breast cysts?

Answer 40

• Wearing a well-fitted, supportive bra
• Applying a warm or cool compress
• Avoiding caffeine can give symptomatic relief in some women
• Reduce salt in diet
• OTC pain medications