A breast cyst

A breast cyst can be a single pathological cavity, or multiple cysts can form in the gland.

In the mammary gland, both benign cysts and formations containing fatty or atypical cells are diagnosed. A fatty formation is a common lipoma that develops due to blockage of sebaceous ducts. It can become inflamed, but does not pose a threat to health.

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Causes breast cysts

• Disruptions and dysfunctions of the hormonal and endocrine systems, both age-related and caused by drug treatment (contraceptive therapy, hormone replacement therapy for gynecological diseases).
• The cyst can be caused by a malfunction of the ovaries (PCOS – polycystic ovary syndrome).
• The cyst is provoked by endocrine disorders, chronic dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
• Neoplasms can be provoked by inflammatory processes of the genital organs – inflammation of the fallopian tubes, ovaries (adnexitis).
• A cyst can be caused by an inflammatory process in the inner layer of the uterus – endometritis.

Symptoms breast cysts

The female breast is structurally predisposed to accumulation of liquid contents in the ducts, as it consists of specific fibrous, fatty and glandular tissues. As a rule, all cysts that develop in the breast are relatively harmless, as they are a kind of reaction to hormonal changes associated with the woman's age. A breast cyst may not manifest itself clinically for many years, but when it grows, painful sensations and a burning sensation appear, especially at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

A cyst is a benign formation that almost never becomes malignant, i.e. does not transform into an oncological process. However, an inflamed cyst of the mammary gland, or a large formation containing pus, significantly increases the risk of an oncological process. Cancer can develop against the background of chronic mastopathy, one of the symptoms of which is a cyst of the gland.

A breast cyst can vary in size – from a few millimeters to gigantic sizes exceeding 5-7 centimeters.

At the first stage of development, especially in reproductive age, small, single neoplasms do not manifest themselves with pain or discomfort and are determined by ultrasound scanning of the mammary glands (mammography) during routine examinations. If a breast cyst begins to increase in size or become denser, it can be palpated with the fingers. That is why many medical and public organizations have recently begun to promote methods of self-examination (palpation) of the mammary glands, which significantly reduces the risk of neoplasms degenerating into malignant forms and makes it possible to begin treatment at the early stages of the pathological process. Among the main symptoms characteristic of a breast cyst are the following:

1. Small nodules in the breast that can be felt with the fingers. These formations are mobile, small to the touch (about the size of a cherry pit) and have a round shape.
2. Painful nodules that cause slight discomfort when palpated.
3. Formations that increase in size with the onset of the menstrual cycle.
4. After the end of the monthly cycle, the nodules become noticeably smaller and less sensitive.
5. If the cyst increases in size and exceeds 3-4 centimeters, it is noticeable to the naked eye, as both the shape of the breast and its size change.
6. If the cyst becomes inflamed and suppurates, the temperature may rise and the lymph nodes in the armpits may enlarge.

Although a breast cyst is considered a benign formation, it can be one of the accompanying provoking factors that cause a more serious disease - the oncological process. As soon as a woman discovers incomprehensible lumps in her breast, she should immediately contact a gynecologist and undergo a mammography procedure. Early diagnosis helps to eliminate the pathological process relatively quickly and painlessly and reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

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Forms

Cysts are divided into typical and atypical. In typical formations, the walls of the cavity are quite smooth and do not contain additional inclusions. An atypical breast cyst is characterized by multiple small formations inside the capsule, on the walls of the cavity.

Cysts are divided into single and multiple formations. The most dangerous are polycystic formations, which can be called cystic fibroadenomatosis, Velyaminov's disease (an outdated term, as well as Reclus's disease). Polycystic disease often develops into extensive multi-chamber formations that fill more than half of the breast.

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Diagnostics breast cysts

Diagnosis of the mammary glands is carried out in two ways - through independent monthly examination and through professional diagnostic methods.

All representatives of the fair half of humanity should regularly conduct independent examination of the breast - palpation. If small seals are detected, it is necessary to confirm the presence of cysts using mammography. Even if a woman made a mistake and played it safe, mistaking swelling of the gland caused by a recent menstruation for a cyst, an examination in any case will not be superfluous. Palpation technique:

• A thorough visual examination to look for unusual lumps, changes in breast size, redness, and discharge from the nipples.
• Palpation is performed in a lying or sitting position.
• Each gland should be palpated, preferably with both hands, starting from the nipple area, then, moving from the upper quarter of the chest clockwise, you need to palpate the entire gland.
• Palpation is carried out with movements from the center to the periphery.
• If there is a suspicion of compaction, palpation should be carried out with one, opposite hand, the other should be lowered down to avoid tension in the chest muscles.
• In addition to the glands, you should check the condition of the lymph nodes in the armpits and above the collarbone.

If an independent examination reveals nodules similar to a cyst, the diagnosis is confirmed by a gynecologist - mammologist using additional, more specific examination methods - X-ray, mammography, ultrasound scanning and, if necessary, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the mammary gland. If the doctor suspects a cyst with internal inclusions (papillomas), a biopsy may be performed, which is carried out using an ultrasound machine and a sensor that controls the process of aspiration puncturing. Pneumocystography, a method specially created for diagnosing cysts, has been used in gynecological practice for over 60 years. A cyst of the mammary gland can be very small, no more than one centimeter, and this method allows you to detect even such small formations, in addition, pneumocystography makes it possible to study the internal contents of the cavity, its walls and determine an effective treatment strategy. The procedure consists of three stages:

• The cyst is punctured, its contents are aspirated using a special needle, and the cystic fluid is examined to detect atypical cells.
• The cyst fills with air, which dissolves after 5-7 days.
• After this, a mammogram is mandatory.

Histology of the contents of simple cysts, as a rule, does not determine the presence of cellular mass. If histological examination reveals epithelial cells in the cystic contents, this may indicate the development of a tumor process. Based on the composition and condition of the aspiration fluid taken from the cyst, the doctor can judge the presence or absence of inflammation in the cyst cavity. In case of purulent cysts, additional tests may be prescribed to examine the state of the blood and hormonal system.

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Treatment breast cysts

As a rule, early diagnostics allows treating neoplasms with medication aimed at restoring the functions of the hormonal system. If the cyst has already formed and is detected on mammography as a visible echogenic cavity, aspiration puncture is performed, then the emptied cavity is sclerosed by introducing special medications.

This method is indicated if the breast cyst is diagnosed as simple, single-chambered, without pathological signs. If polycystic disease is determined, and histology confirms the presence of atypical epithelial cells, sometimes a more serious operation is performed - partial resection of the gland sector. Sectoral surgery involves general anesthesia and is performed in a hospital setting. This method of cyst neutralization is necessary to eliminate the risk of malignancy of the neoplasm and does not affect the function of the gland in terms of possible breastfeeding.

A breast cyst is a common disease diagnosed in gynecological clinical practice. Neoplasms almost never transform into an oncological process, but they can aggravate inflammatory diseases such as mastopathy and adenomatosis, so they should be identified and treated in a timely manner.