What is a breast cyst?
While it may be scary to feel or learn you have a lump in your breast, it could just be a cyst. A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the duct system behind your nipple. A cyst is typically noncancerous and doesn’t require treatment unless it bothers you. Breast cysts are most common in women between 35 and 50 years old.
Types of breast cysts
Cysts can vary in size. Microcysts are so small they are undetectable. A macrocysts can feel like a grape or small water balloon. It is also very common to have multiple breast cysts at the same time.
There are three different types of breast cysts.
Symptoms of breast cysts
You may not ever be able to feel a microcyst. However, some larger breast cysts can be painful and cause tenderness in the breast. You may also notice that the breast pain may fluctuate at different times in your menstrual cycle, as breast cysts can be hormone related. Sometimes the tenderness of your breast and the size of the cyst will increase before your period and decrease after.
Other symptoms include being able to feel and move the lump, as well as nipple discharge that can be clear, yellow or even dark brown.
When to see a doctor
If you have noticed skin changes on either of your breasts or a breast lump has not gone away or grown after one or two months, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will likely order an ultrasound or mammogram.
Breast cyst causes and risk factors
While the exact cause of breast cysts remains unknown, experts agree that fluctuating hormones cause the formation of cysts. This is why it’s most common for women between the ages of 35 and 50 to be prone to finding cysts. People taking hormone therapy, like postmenopausal women and transgender individuals, can also experience breast cysts, although this occurrence is less likely. If your family has a history of breast cysts, you may be more likely to have them yourself.
Diagnosing breast cysts
Breast exam
During your breast exam, you and your doctor will discuss your symptoms before examining the lump and looking for other abnormalities. Depending on the exam, your doctor will discuss what kind of imaging may be needed of your breast.
Imaging tests
Several imaging tests may be used to examine and diagnose a breast cyst. The most commonly used types of imaging tests are mammograms, breast ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging.
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Mammogram: A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue and examine lumps, masses and abnormalities. A diagnostic mammogram assesses abnormalities, like cysts. These mammograms are more in-depth because they take more pictures of the breast at more angles than a screening mammogram.
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Breast ultrasound: If you have dense breast tissue, the radiologist may also conduct a breast ultrasound to get a better look at the tissue. Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate your breast tissue.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): If the mammogram and ultrasound images are unclear, your doctor may recommend a breast MRI to determine the type of breast cyst further. An MRI makes detailed pictures of your breast using strong magnets and radio waves.
Fine-needle aspiration
Your doctor may recommend extracting fluid from the breast cyst. This procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration, or breast cyst aspiration. However, if no fluid is drawn from the mass and it appears to be solid, the radiologist may recommend additional tissue sampling, also known as a breast biopsy.
Breast cyst treatment
Treatment for a breast cyst typically includes a breast cyst aspiration to drain the cyst. However, hormonal birth control and surgery are options for more severe breast cyst symptoms. Your doctor can work with you to determine the right treatment options.
Women's imaging centers
We offer several locations for your care, including breast imaging centers in North and Central Texas.
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At Junius
3900 Junius St , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At North Dallas
9101 N Central Expy , Dallas, TX, 75231
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Irving (Macarthur & Hwy 183)
2001 N Macarthur Blvd , Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Las Colinas (Macarthur & I-635)
440 W Lyndon B Johnson Fwy , Irving, TX, 75063
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Breast Center At Baylor Scott & White - Grapevine
1631 Lancaster Dr , Grapevine, TX, 76051
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Forney
763 E Us Hwy 80 , Forney, TX, 75126
