A palpable mass in the breast is a common finding. These masses may occur mostly due to benign cysts in the breast, solid masses such as fibroadenomas, fat necrosis due to trauma and infection; They cause great fear in women as they may also be a sign of breast cancer. However, not every lump in the breast is cancer. The cause of these masses in the breast is mostly benign breast cysts. If a structure different from the normal is detected in the breast tissue, it is recommended to seek support from specialist physicians in order to apply to health institutions and carry out necessary examinations and tests.
What is a Cyst in the Breast?
Cyst in the breast is usually a liquid in the breast tissue It is a case of accumulation. Although fluctuations in hormone levels in the female body are held responsible for the formation of breast cysts, the underlying cause of this condition has not yet been fully elucidated. Round-shaped, fluid-filled cystic structures are among the most common structures in breast mass cases. These cyst structures are encountered especially in female patients in their 40s. Breast cysts can also occur rarely in men. Cysts can also form in some people as very small structures called microcysts. These small cyst structures can only be revealed by breast imaging examinations. In some cases, cysts can reach large sizes that can be detected externally during physical examination, and they are called macrocysts. is the case. This situation, which is not generally considered a harbinger of a serious condition, may occur due to simple reasons such as hormonal changes. Although more than 80% of breast cysts are benign, the possibility of being malignant must be excluded. It is quite natural for people who find a cyst in their breast to feel discomfort from this situation. In case of any cyst development in the breasts consisting of structures such as glandular tissue, connective tissue, mammary gland, milk ducts and adipose tissue, the sizes of both breasts may change. In the development of a hard, cystic structure, these structures are felt differently from normal breast tissue.
This shape in the breast. The factors that may be effective in the development of cysts can be summarized as follows:
- Hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle
- Congestion in the milk ducts
- Development of infection in the breast tissue
Simple breast cysts are in the form of clear fluid-filled vesicles that develop within the breast tissue and are usually felt as a smooth lump under the skin. Some of the breast cysts are painless, while others may present themselves as very painful structures. Ultrasonographic examinations of breast cysts show that the sizes of simple cysts generally vary between 2.5 and 5 cm. Larger cysts over this size may compress the surrounding tissues and cause various discomforts in the breast. These types of cysts cause a more echogenic appearance in ultrasonography and should be followed more closely. Very close follow-up of these types of cysts and differential diagnosis of the solid structure within the cyst may be required by thick needle biopsy. they do not create. It should be noted that pain may occur if the cyst is quite large and appears suddenly, its wall becomes infected and the contents of the cyst become abscessed.
Differences Between Cyst and Mass in the Breast
Some differences between a cyst and a mass in the breast although available; It should be kept in mind that some of these differences are not of a nature to allow a full distinction between cyst and mass. Breast cyst pain, smooth border, smoothness, mobility and menstrual cycle While there may be features such as changes in its structure, breast tumors can often appear as painless, hard, non-movable masses that are independent of the menstrual cycle.
How Many cm is a Cyst in the Breast Dangerous?
There is no size range that is considered safe for a breast cyst. They may cause pain only when the cysts reach 2-3 cm in size or if they grow rapidly. Every cyst that a person detects in himself should be evaluated by specialist physicians and as a result of further examinations, it should be decided whether the existing structure is benign or malignant. scheduled after clarification. In some cyst structures, only follow-up is recommended, while in others, the cyst content is aspirated and evacuated and followed by ultrasonography at 6-month intervals. To rule out the possibility of cancer in cysts with solid structures, called complicated or complex cysts; A thick needle biopsy should be performed on the cysts and a pathological diagnosis should be made. Sometimes, such cysts need to be surgically removed for diagnosis and treatment.
Cysts formed due to infection usually regress after drainage. Antibiotics should be added to the treatment planning in these cysts.
Does the Cyst in the Breast Go away on its own?
The spontaneous remission of the cyst varies according to the type and characteristics of the formation. Benign cysts, especially those that occur due to hormonal fluctuations, tend to regress spontaneously without the need for any treatment or intervention. If you observe the signs and symptoms of a breast cyst in yourself, it is recommended that you apply to health institutions and get support from specialist physicians so that this structure can be fully clarified. We wish you healthy days.
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