Have you ever felt something like a small lump in your breast? It's normal to feel a little scared when that happens, right? Many people think, "Oh, is this cancer?" But, did you know that not all lumps that develop in the breasts are cancer? Today we are going to talk about something that many women develop, but is not so scary, but is very worth knowing about. That is `(Breast Cysts)`, or as we say in Sinhala, about breast cysts.
What is a Breast Cyst?
Simply put, a `(Breast Cyst)` is a small, fluid-filled sac that forms inside your breast. These are not cancerous conditions (they are `(Benign)`). They form when the milk ducts in your breast become empty, and the empty space fills with fluid. Some `(Cysts)` are very small and cannot be felt. However, some can grow up to several inches in size. When they get that big, you can feel them and sometimes they can cause discomfort. It is possible for more than one of these cysts to form in one or both breasts, or in clusters.
The most important thing is that these `(Breast Cysts)` do not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. And they do not turn into any other serious disease over time. So don't be unnecessarily scared, okay?
This condition is usually seen more often in:
- For women between the ages of 35 and 50.
- For women who are still having monthly periods (`(Premenopausal)`).
- Women who have stopped menstruating but are taking hormone therapy (HRT) (Postmenopausal).
Are there different types of breast cysts?
Yes, there are three main types of breast tumors. Let's see what they are.
1. Simple Breast Cyst
These are the most common type, accounting for about 90% of all breast lumps. They are completely filled with fluid. They are never cancerous. There is no solid material inside these lumps, and the wall of the lump is very smooth.
2. Complex Breast Cyst
These types of lumps may contain both liquid and solid parts. About 20% of these types of lumps have a chance of being breast cancer. Therefore, if you have a lump like this, your doctor will usually take a piece of tissue and send it for a biopsy. Then you can know for sure whether it is cancer or not.
3. Complicated Breast Cyst
These types of cysts are also filled with fluid. However, sometimes the fluid can be a bit cloudy, or the edges of the cyst may be a bit irregular. Sometimes, the fluid from these cysts is removed with a needle (`(Aspiration)`) and sent for examination. Other times, the doctor may ask you to come back in about six months for a checkup. This is because the chance of these being cancerous is very low (less than 2%).
In addition to this classification, breast cysts are also called ``Microcysts`` and ``Macrocysts`` depending on their size. ``Microcysts`` are very small cysts. Sometimes they can only be seen with an ``Ultrasound`` test or a microscope. ``Macrocysts`` are slightly larger cysts that can be felt.
How common are breast cysts? What are the symptoms?
Breast lumps are actually more common than you might think. On average, about 7% of women will develop this condition at some point in their lives.
Now let's see what the symptoms are.
Some lumps are so small that you may not feel anything. But if you have a larger breast lump, you may experience symptoms like:
- A lump that can be felt in the hand: This can sometimes be soft, sometimes a little hard. But most of the time it is soft.
- Shape: It usually feels like a round, smooth, well-defined lump.
- Pain or tenderness: You may feel pain or tenderness in the area where this lump is located, especially before your monthly period.
- Size changes: The lump may feel a little bigger as your period starts, and may feel smaller after your period.
- Easily movable: Especially if the cyst is large, it may feel like it can be moved around under the skin.
These breast lumps can be as small as a grain of rice or a green bean, or as large as a golf ball. Many women experience changes and pain in these lumps as their monthly period approaches, which is when hormone levels change. Some may also experience nipple discharge or pain in the area.
Why do these breast cysts form?
The exact cause of breast cancer is not yet known. Experts believe that it is caused by natural fluctuations in hormones in our bodies. In particular, the hormone `(Oestrogen)` is thought to be involved. After menopause, `(Oestrogen)` levels decrease, so breast cancer is less common.
It is also thought that they can form as part of the normal life cycle of the breast. That is, when the milk-producing glandular tissue shrinks (a process called ``involution''), sometimes fluid can become trapped and form cysts like these.
Can Breast Cysts Cause Complications?
In most cases, these breast tumors do not cause serious, life-threatening complications. However,
- Sometimes these cysts can become infected .
- Or, the cyst may become very large, hard, and painful . In that case, it may be necessary to remove the fluid with a needle (`(Aspiration)`).
If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer (for example, if someone in your family has had cancer), your doctor may recommend more frequent screening or additional tests.
How to know for sure if you have Breast Cysts? (Diagnosis)
Most of the time, doctors find these breast lumps by accident during routine breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms. However, sometimes you can find a large breast lump yourself.
To find out for sure if you have a breast lump, your doctor can do the following:
1. Performing a physical examination: Your breast will be examined and the nature of the lump (hard, soft, what the edges look like) and its exact location will be noted.
2. Breast Ultrasound: This is the only way to determine whether the lump is solid or liquid. It uses something like sonar rays.
3. Mammogram: If you are over 30 years old, or if it is time for you to have a mammogram, you will be asked to have this test. This is a special type of X-ray.
If you are at high risk of developing cancer, your doctor may also recommend a breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This is the most sensitive test for early detection of breast cancer in women at high risk.
How is needle aspiration (or needle biopsy) performed?
What happens is that a doctor or a trained person takes a very thin, hollow needle and inserts it into the cyst. Then, they use a syringe to slowly withdraw the fluid inside the cyst. The cyst then shrinks. This is usually a quick and painless procedure.
What are the treatments for Breast Cysts?
Most of the time, these breast cysts don't need any treatment. Simple breast cysts, in particular, don't cause any harm, and sometimes they just go away. Isn't that amazing?
However, if you are experiencing discomfort or pain due to the cyst, your doctor can remove the fluid from it with a needle as mentioned earlier. However, there is a chance that the fluid will fill up again after it is removed. If it continues to grow and cause pain, surgery may be necessary to remove the cyst. However, this is very rare.
If you have the previously mentioned ``Complex'' or ``Complicated'' breast lumps, you will need to have regular checkups to see if there are any changes.
Do these breast cysts just go away?
Yes, most breast lumps go away on their own over time. However, if you notice any new changes in your breasts (such as a lump, pain, or discharge from the nipple), it is important to see a doctor for a checkup. Regular breast self-exams, annual visits to the doctor, and a mammogram if needed can help identify these changes early.
What happens to a breast cyst if it is left untreated?
If a breast lump is very small and you are not experiencing any pain or discomfort, your doctor may decide to observe it for a while without any treatment. It is possible that it will just go away. However, if you are having discomfort, or the lump continues to grow, removing the fluid may be the best treatment for your symptoms.
Can't we prevent the formation of these breast cysts?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent these breast lumps from forming. However, as mentioned earlier, regular breast self-examination and regular mammograms are the best ways to maintain good breast health. If you ever find a new lump, don't just ignore it and say, "Oh, it's probably just a lump." It's always wise to see a doctor for a checkup.
Some questions and answers that many people have
Can a Breast Cyst Become Cancer?
This is a question that many people ask. The chances of getting cancer are very low.
- Simple breast cysts are not always cancerous (benign). They account for 90% of breast lumps.
- Complicated breast cysts are also usually noncancerous. The risk of developing cancer is less than 2%.
- Complex breast cysts are the ones with the highest risk of developing cancer. Even then, they only occur in 14% to 23% of cases. That's why they receive the most attention.
Do Breast Cysts Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?
No. Having breast lumps does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Keep this in mind.
Can a Breast Cyst Become a Tumor?
No. A non-cancerous breast cyst (`(Benign breast cyst)`) will never become a cancerous tumor (`(Tumor)`). This is a misconception among many people.
So, are breast cysts serious? When should we worry about them?
Breast lumps are very common among women. Most of the time, they are not a sign of a serious problem. So don't worry unnecessarily. However, as mentioned earlier, it is always best to get checked out by a doctor if you notice any new lumps or changes. That way, you can also rest easy.
Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Breast Cysts
If a doctor tells you that you have a breast lump, it is very important to ask these questions:
- What type of breast tumor is this (`(Simple, Complicated, or Complex)`)?
- Does this require removing fluid (`(Aspirate)`), performing a tissue test (`(Biopsy)`), or surgical removal?
- Will I need to have regular mammograms or ultrasounds?
- If I am taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), should I continue taking it?
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Breast lumps are very common, especially among women in their 40s. The good news is that the vast majority of these lumps are harmless and nothing to worry about.
However, remember, even though breast lumps are common, if you feel a new lump, lump, or change in your breast, always have it checked out by a doctor. Don't ignore it, thinking, "This might just be a fluke." It's always best to take care of your health and be cautious. If you have any doubts, never be afraid to talk to a doctor.
` Breast Cysts, Women's Health, Breast Lumps, Mammogram, Ultrasound, Hormones
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