The cyst in the breast, also known as mammary cyst, is an almost always benign change that appears in most women, between 15 and 50 years of age. Most breast cysts are of the simple type and therefore are filled only by liquid, not bringing any health hazard.
However, there are two other major types of cysts:
- Thick mammary cyst : contains thicker liquid, similar to gelatin;
- Solid breast cyst : it has a hard mass inside.
Of these types of cyst, the only one that has any risk of becoming cancer is the solid cyst, which can also be called papillary carcinoma, and that needs to be evaluated through biopsy to identify if there are cancer cells inside.
Most often, the cyst does not hurt and is hardly noticed by the woman. In general, you only notice a cyst in the breast when it is very large and the breast becomes more swollen and heavier. See all the symptoms here.
How to diagnose breast cyst
The cyst in the breast can be diagnosed through breast ultrasound or mammography, and does not require specific treatment. However, women who have a very large cyst that cause pain and discomfort can benefit from a puncture to remove the fluid that forms the cyst, ending the problem.
It is also important to regularly do breast self-examination. Watch the following video and see how to do it correctly:
When the cyst in the breast can be severe
Almost all breast cysts are benign and therefore the risk of developing cancer from this change is very low. However, all solid cysts should be evaluated through a biopsy, since they have some risk of being cancer.
In addition, the cyst may also be analyzed by biopsy if it is increasing in size or if there are symptoms that may indicate cancer such as:
- Frequent itching in the breast;
- Release of fluid from the nipples;
- Increased size of one breast;
- Changes in breastfeeding skin.
In these cases, it is very important to go to the doctor to do new exams to the cyst and to evaluate if there is a possibility of developing cancer that is not related to the cyst, for example.
Even if all tests indicate that the cyst is benign, a woman should do the mammogram 1 to 2 times a year, as directed by her doctor, as she continues to have the same risk as any other woman to have breast cancer .
Check out the 12 main symptoms of breast cancer.
