Breast Cysts

Breast cysts are probably the commonest cause for developing a discreet lump in the breast. Nearly every woman will have cysts in the breast at some time during her life. They are usually very small and women are not aware of these cyst until they have an ultrasound scan. Breast cysts primarily develop as the result of hormonal changes in the breast and are uncommon after the menopause except in women who take hormone replacement treatment (HRT). The most common age to develop breast cysts is between 30-50 years becoming more common the closer one gets to the menopause.

Breast cysts consist of a very thin lining of cells which originally derive from a small breast duct. The cyst is full of fluid which contains oestrogen. Cyst can develop very quickly over just a matter of days and this can sometimes lead to a lump that appears to have arisen almost overnight. Initially breast cysts are often quite sore or tender. Most breast cysts eventually disappear by themselves though this may take many months or even years. The size of the cyst can vary from just a small pinhead to something more like a golf ball.

Breast cysts are best diagnosed by an ultrasound scan. It is very unusual indeed to develop any serious consequences from breast cysts. They are nearly always entirely harmless and this is very effectively demonstrated by the scan. It is only in very rare cases that breast cysts develop pre-cancerous changes, and when one considers that nearly every woman will have breast cysts at some time in her life you should not consider breast cysts as having any significant malignant potential. Most surgeons will advise that breast cysts are left alone. If the cyst is large and uncomfortable a needle can be inserted in the cyst and the fluid contents withdrawn. The cyst will then disappear and it is uncommon for it to refill.

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