Rather common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, breast cysts are small sacs that fill with fluid, and in most instances, will thankfully not require medical intervention unless they become large and cause discomfort.
Women should know that the presence of cysts in no way increases their chances of developing breast cancer. In fact, anywhere from twenty to fifty percent of all women of reproductive age will experience breast cysts at some point in time. The cysts will most often disappear after menstruation ceases, unless hormone therapy treatment is used to combat the symptoms of menopause.
Breast cysts are classified as either microcysts, which are too small to actually feel but are visible on mammograms and ultrasounds, or macrocysts, cysts that are large enough to feel and may grow as large as two inches (five centimeters) in diameter. Macrocysts may cause pain and discomfort due to the excess pressure on the rest of the breast tissue.
Four Signs of Breast Cysts
The four common signs of cysts within the breast include:
- Smooth lumps with definable edges felt beneath the breast's skin, usually round or oval in shape, that are easily movable.
- Pain or tenderness in the breast near the cysts or lumps.
- An increase in the size of the cysts or the amount of tenderness just before the onset of menstruation.
- A decrease in the size of the cysts or lumps and pain relief after the menstrual cycle.
All women should perform self breast examinations on a regular basis and know that normal, healthy breast tissue does feel lumpy, but any changes in lump size or the presence of new lumps should be reported to your health care professional as soon as possible for an evaluation.
A clinical breast examination will be done as well as an assessment of your personal and family medical histories to determine if further testing is needed. An ultrasound may be in order to ensure the lump is just a fluid-filled sac, or aspiration, which involves removing the cyst's fluid with a fine needle.
If fluid is present without blood, no further treatment is necessary except for a follow-up exam in a month or so to determine if the cyst has returned and surgery is almost never needed for treating breast cysts.
The Causes of Breast Cysts
The structure of the breast resembles the petals of a daisy and includes 15 to 20 separate lobes comprised of glandular tissues. Each of those lobes contain even smaller lobules that are responsible for a new mother's milk production and tiny ducts keep that milk stored in a reservoir near the nipple until it's time for breast feeding. All of these important components of the breast are supported by deep layers of stroma or connective tissue.
When the glands and stroma become overgrown, the milk ducts become blocked, dilated, and eventually fill with fluid. Although the exact causes of breast cysts are still largely unknown, some scientific evidence suggests that an excess of estrogen may be responsible for their development.
By making a few simple lifestyle changes you may be able to reduce the occurrence of breast cysts. Wearing a supportive bra that helps to take the pressure off the breast tissue can help to relieve pain and dietary modifications like reducing salt intake and avoiding caffeine may bring about relief from symptoms of breast cysts for some women.
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