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\n <\/p>\n A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form when an empty milk duct fills with fluid. They are usually noncancerous and can vary in size and shape. Some are so small you\u2019ll only find them through medical imaging (microcysts<\/strong>), while others are large enough to become palpable and can cause discomfort (macrocysts<\/strong>). They can grow in one or both breasts and sometimes appear as clusters of multiple cysts.<\/p>\n Here are the three breast cyst types to be aware of:<\/p>\n Breast cysts form when milk glands fill with fluid. Precise causes are uncertain, but it is thought to be linked to normal hormonal fluctuations. As a patient reaches menopause and estrogen levels drop, cyst formation tends to be less frequent.<\/p>\n Here are some factors that increase the likelihood of developing breast cysts:<\/p>\n Some breast cysts are so small that patients only discover them after routine breast imaging. Other times, there are noticeable symptoms in the form of a palpable lump. Here is how a larger breast lump may feel:<\/p>\n Often, you won\u2019t feel a breast cyst at all if it\u2019s small. For larger lumps, you may feel a hard, smooth, moveable lump that can become more tender as your menstrual cycle approaches.<\/p>\n If you become aware of a breast lump on your own, it\u2019s recommended to see a medical provider for further screening and diagnosis. This is often done through a mammogram<\/a> or other breast imaging scans. Additional testing can be performed if necessary after the final report has been interpreted.<\/p>\n There are multiple methods used for breast cyst diagnosis. Here is a quick overview of each:<\/p>\n Cysts may be discovered or diagnosed during a breast exam. This could occur during a routine exam, such as one performed during your annual checkup, or it may be scheduled because you found a lump during a self-examination. The doctor will note the location, apparent size and mobility of the lump. Typically, additional testing, such as imaging, will be done to confirm the cyst.<\/p>\n Ultrasound image showing breast nodules<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n A breast ultrasound helps determine whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled, which can identify it as a cyst or another type of lump, such as a non-cancerous fibroadenoma. Breast cysts may appear as either a hypoechoic or anechoic mass on the ultrasound. A hypoechoic mass<\/a> appears darker compared to surrounding tissues, while an anechoic mass appears completely dark. This differentiation helps indicate whether the lump is air-filled, fat-filled or fluid-filled. Although solid cysts can sometimes be a sign of breast cancer, it is relatively uncommon. There are many benign breast abnormalities that are more common than cancer, so try not to worry.<\/p>\n When you get your ultrasound results back, some of the technical information can be a little confusing to understand. To help you better understand your results, PocketHealth<\/a> provides clear definitions and illustrations for complex medical terms\u2014plus an in-depth explanation of your full imaging report. This is paired with highlights of key anatomy in your imaging to help you better comprehend what you’re looking at.<\/p>\n Patient reviewing their Mammogram report using PocketHealth<\/p><\/div>\n Mammograms<\/a> are another method to identify a breast cyst. However, if the cyst is very small or the patient has dense breasts\u2014where the amount of fatty tissue is much lower than fibrous tissue\u2014it can be challenging to detect. That\u2019s why breast ultrasounds can be more diagnostically appropriate in these cases. For patients aged 40 or above, mammograms can be more effective, as breast density<\/a> can decrease with age and visibility can improve.<\/p>\n Mammograms are an important scanning technique not only for diagnosing breast cysts but also for evaluating other aspects of breast care.<\/p>\n Having access to your ultrasounds and other imaging can empower you to take control of your health. With PocketHealth<\/a>, your imaging results are securely accessible as soon as they\u2019re approved for release by the hospital or imaging clinic. This gives you the opportunity to review your results and prepare questions ahead of your follow-up visit. The ability to store, review and share these essential records allows you to more easily monitor your breast health. This feature was especially beneficial for Patti<\/a>, who used PocketHealth throughout her successful breast cancer treatment. She regularly reviewed her imaging records, which she found empowering, saying it \u201c\u2026gave me control over something that was so uncontrollable.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n Another diagnostic technique is fine-needle aspiration or biopsy. This is often performed during a breast ultrasound to help the doctor guide the needle accurately. A thin needle is inserted into the lump, and the doctor will attempt to withdraw fluid or a small amount of the tissue from the cyst. The needle is so thin that most patients describe the experience as feeling pressure rather than pain. The way the lump reacts will determine the next steps:<\/p>\n Treatment for breast cysts varies depending on size, level of discomfort and the type of cyst it is. Here is some general information about cyst treatment.<\/p>\n Simple breast cysts, which are the most common, often require no treatment at all. However, if the patient is experiencing pain, the fluid can be drained through needle aspiration to relieve discomfort. Complicated cysts are very rarely cancerous. Typically, a follow-up screening will be recommended in six months to ensure there are no changes. Complex cysts often require additional testing, such as a biopsy, to rule out the possibility of cancer. They may also need more frequent breast scans to monitor any changes. Even so, it is uncommon for complex cysts to be cancerous.<\/p>\n Most breast cysts will go away on their own, and there is usually no need for medical intervention unless you are experiencing significant pain or discomfort. To manage symptoms while waiting for the cyst to shrink, you can apply an ice pack or warm compress, wear comfortable and supportive bras, and reduce your caffeine intake, which has been associated with symptom relief.<\/p>\n Here is a guide to some commonly asked questions regarding breast cysts:<\/p>\n Breast cysts are rarely cancerous but it can happen in some cases. If your doctor has any concerns, they will likely recommend a biopsy for further testing.<\/p>\n Simple cysts, the most common type, do not turn into cancer. Complicated and complex cysts sometimes have the potential to become cancerous, but this is still rare. To be cautious, doctors often monitor these cysts more closely with frequent breast scans to detect any changes early.<\/p>\n Simple breast cysts do not increase your cancer risk. Complex and complicated types have a small potential to slightly increase your risk, but your doctor will likely monitor them closely with more frequent scanning and take early action if necessary.<\/p>\n Yes, they typically go away on their own. A small percentage may persist, but most of the time you won\u2019t notice them. If you do notice them or experience discomfort or pain, consult your doctor about potential options for removal or drainage.<\/p>\n The majority of breast cysts don\u2019t need to be removed. If you have a particularly large cyst that\u2019s very uncomfortable or if there are concerns about possible cancerous changes, your doctor may recommend surgical removal. Keep in mind that the majority of breast cysts are benign.<\/p>\n If left untreated, most breast cysts will typically resolve on their own, and you might not even notice them. However, if a cyst shows potential cancerous tendencies, there is a small risk it could develop into breast cancer over time, although this is rare. To help mitigate this risk, it is recommended to perform regular breast self-exams, stay up to date with your annual gynecological checkups and follow your medical provider\u2019s recommendations for mammograms.<\/p>\n PocketHealth<\/a> makes it simple to keep track of your medical imaging results. All of your images and reports are permanently available in one secure location and can be accessed online\u2014anytime, anywhere. Reports can also be easily shared with other members of your care team<\/a>, if needed. When used in conjunction with your medical provider\u2019s professional advice, it is a powerful tool to better understand your imaging results.<\/p>\n PocketHealth also provides personalized health insights<\/a> based on the findings in your report to help you stay on top of any next steps. This includes clearly surfacing any follow-up actions found in your report and generating customized questions to ask your doctor so you can make the most of your follow-up appointment.<\/p>\n If you’re located in Ontario, you’ll also have the option to get your breast cancer risk score and determine your eligibility for Ontario Breast Support Program (OBSP), as part of Pocket Health suite of breast health tools<\/a>. If you’re eligible for OBSP, you can even book your next mammogram directly through PocketHealth.<\/p>\n While breast imaging may feel overwhelming, better understanding your results and working closely with your healthcare team can give you the best chance of managing your condition and protecting your health.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\tGet early access to your medical imaging reports\t\t<\/h2> \n\t<\/div>\n\t
What is a breast cyst?<\/h2>\n
Types of breast cysts:<\/h3>\n
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What causes breast cysts?<\/h3>\n
Who is likely to get them?<\/h3>\n
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Breast cyst symptoms<\/h2>\n
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What does a breast cyst feel like?<\/h3>\n
When to see a doctor<\/h3>\n
How are breast cysts diagnosed?<\/h2>\n
Breast exam<\/h3>\n
Ultrasound<\/h3>\n
![\"Ultrasound](\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/breast-nodule-1024x576.png\")
Mammogram<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\tFast and easy access to your mammogram results\t\t<\/h2> \n\t<\/div>\n\t
Breast cyst aspiration or biopsy<\/h3>\n
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Treatment for breast cysts<\/h2>\n
How are breast cysts treated?<\/h3>\n
Can you shrink a breast cyst naturally?<\/h3>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
Can a breast cyst be cancerous?<\/h3>\n
Can a breast cyst turn into cancer?<\/h3>\n
Do breast cysts increase your risk of breast cancer?<\/h3>\n
Do cysts go away in the breasts?<\/h3>\n
Do breast cysts need to be removed?<\/h3>\n
What happens if you don\u2019t treat them?<\/h3>\n
Take control of your breast health<\/h2>\n
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