BREAST CYSTS

DR.Abdiaziz Hakiye MBBS AU

• They are cavities lined by epithelium in the breast containing fluid.
• It arises from destruction and dilatation of breast lobule and terminal
ductules.
• It is due to nonintegrated stromal and epithelial involution.
• Cyst may be microscopic or macroscopic.
• It contains straw coloured or green or opaque fluid.
• Incidence is very high (1 in 14 females).
• It is common after the age of 35 years up to menopause.
• It is uncommon after menopause.
• Hormone replacement can cause cyst formation in old women.
• Cyst size varies with menstruation due to influence of ovarian
hormones.
• Cysts can be multiple (50%).
• Often bilateral.
• Cysts can be recurrent (50%).
• Risk of breast cancer in breast cyst is very less (0.1%).
• But incidental associated carcinoma may be present in 3% of breast
cysts.
• Clinically—smooth, soft, fluctuant often transilluminating well-
localised swelling may be felt.
• Differential diagnoses are—Bloodgood cyst, haematoma, cystic
necrosis in a carcinoma, Brodie’s disease, galactocele, lymph cyst,
hydatid cyst.
• Investigations—US of breast; FNAC.
• Mammography to rule out associated carcinoma.
• Treatment

• Aspiration for two times.

• Surgical excision is done if cyst recurs after two aspirations or if there
is bloody discharge or residual mass if felt after aspiration
Cystic swellings of the breast

• Bloodgood cyst
• Breast abscess
• Hydatid cyst
• Galactocele
• Serocystic disease of Brodie
• Cystic necrosis in carcinoma breast
• Lymph cyst
• Haematoma in breast
•END