Breast Cysts Flashcards
What is a breast cyst?
A fluid-filled sac within the breast
Are breast cysts cancerous?
Not normally
Can a breast have more than one breat cyst?
Yes, it can have one or more
What do breasts contain?
Lobes of glandular tissue, arranged like the petals of a daisy
What are the lobes of the breasts divided into?
Smaller lobules
What is the purpose of the lobules of the breast?
They produce milk during pregnancy and breast feeding
What do breast cysts develop as a result of?
Fluid accumulation inside the glands of the breast
It causes breast cyst?
Unknown, but may develop as a result of hormonal changes from monthly mensturation
What hormone is involved in breast cyst formation?
Oestrogen
How is oestrogen involved in the formation of breast cysts?
Some evidence suggests that excess oestrogen in the body stimulates breast tissue and may contribute to breast cysts
What are breast cysts classified on the basis of?
Size
What are the classifications of breast cysts?
- Microcysts
- Macrocysts
Can you feel microcysts?
No, they are too small too feel
When might microcysts be seen?
During imaging tests such as mammography or ultrasound
Can macrocysts be felt?
Yes, they are large enough
How big are macrocysts?
They can grow to around 1-2 inches in diameter
What problems may large breast cysts cause?
They can put pressure on nearby breast tissue, causing breast pain or discomfort
What are the symptoms of breast cysts?
- Palpable lump
- Nipple discharge
- Breat pain or tenderness
- Changes in breast lump around period
Describe the lump in breast cysts
- Smooth
- Easily moveable
- Round or oval
- Distinct edges
Describe the nipple discharge in breast cysts
May be clear, yellow, straw coloured, or dark brown
Where is the pain or tenderness felt in breast cysts?
In the area of the breast lump
How does the lump change with periods in breast cysts?
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
Does having breast cysts increase the risk of breast cancer?
No
What is the problem with breast cysts, regarding cancer?
They may make it more difficult to find new breast lumps or other changes that may need evaluation by a doctor
What can be done about breast cysts making it more difficult to detect breast changes that may be cancerious?
Patients with breast cysts should be encouraged to familiarise themselves with how their breasts normally feel, so they know if there is a change
What should anyone with a breast lump undergo?
Screening and diagnosis
How are breast cysts investigated?
- Breast exam
- Diagnostic mammography and/or breast ultrasound
Based on these findings, they may be referred for a fine-needle aspiration or breast biopsy
How does a breast cyst appear on ultrasound?
Usually as a fluid filled area
How are breast cysts treated?
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
How can fine needle aspiration be used in breast cysts?
It can be used to diagnose and treat breast cysts
How can fine-needle aspiration treat breast cysts?
It all the fluid is removed from the cyst at the time of diagnosis
What happens if all the fluid is removed from a breast cyst at the time of diagnosis?
The lump will disappear, and the symptoms will resolve
Why do some breast cysts require repeated drainage of the fluid?
As recurrent or new cysts are common
When can repeat aspiration of breast cysts be considered?
If a breast cysts persists for 2-3 menstrual cycles, and grows larger
What hormone therapy can be used in breast cysts?
Use of birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills) or other hormone therapies e.g. tamoxifen
What effect might oral contraceptive pills have on breast cysts?
They may reduce the recurrence of breast cysts
What is the problem with the use of hormone therapy in the management of breast cysts?
There is a possibility of serious side effectse
What is the result of the potential for severe side effects when using hormonal therapy for breast cysts?
They are only recommended when patients have severe symptoms
What is surgery required to remove a breast cyst?
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
What home measures can be take to minimise the discomfort associated with breast cysts?
- 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
