A cyst in the chest

Due to various factors, the milk ducts of a woman's breast can acquire an uneven width, which causes the accumulation of liquid, sometimes viscous secretion in them. This is how a cyst is formed in the breast, which can be isolated from the duct itself if its development occurred in the terminal section of the milk canal.

A cyst is a capsule with a cavity. The thickness of the wall directly depends on the period of existence of the neoplasm. New cysts have a thin-walled capsule, and old ones have a dense shell. The internal contents of the cystic formation vary in color, which varies from yellowish to brown and even dark green. Sometimes dense inclusions or calcareous lumps are present in the liquid contents, which is not dangerous, but only indicates the lifespan of the cyst. On the outside, the capsule is usually smooth with a flat or bumpy surface, indicating a multi-chamber formation. A multi-chamber cavity is more difficult to treat, since it is difficult to aspirate (“suck in”) fluid from all chambers during puncture.

A single or multiple cyst in the breast can appear on one side or both sides at the same time. The size of the formation can be from 3 mm to 5 cm (sometimes more) in diameter. Large cysts put pressure on nearby tissues and cause pain. An increase in the size of the cyst and pain syndrome is observed before menstruation.

There are also fatty cysts (filled with fatty tissue instead of fluid), which are safe, do not hurt, do not interfere with lactation and cannot be removed surgically.

Cystic formations are most often benign and do not cause serious concerns.

Causes of Breast Cysts

The presence of mastopathy increases the likelihood of cyst formation in the breast. The risk group includes women over 30, especially those who have not had time to give birth before this age. For younger representatives of the fair sex, the most pressing problem is fibroadenomas.

According to doctors, a cyst in the breast is formed due to many factors not related to menopause. The most common causes of a cyst in the breast are hormonal imbalance, metabolism, and problems with the bile ducts. Often, cystic formations grow against the background of existing gynecological pathologies or thyroid diseases.

An interesting fact is that the development of cysts is affected by the level of the hormone estrogen, the increase of which is associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives. Until recently, it was believed that hormonal contraceptives do not affect the formation of cysts. However, data have emerged linking long-term use (five years or more) of contraceptives with the risk of developing malignant cysts in the mammary gland.

On the other hand, the underlying cause of the pathology is often an unstable psycho-emotional state, closely related to hormonal balance, metabolism and general well-being. As is known, the breast is the most sensitive organ, detecting the slightest external changes. The presence of persistent stress in the form of problems at work, resentment, family discord leads to pain in the chest area. For this reason, women with mastopathy are prescribed sedatives and vitamin supplements.

In addition to stress and recurring depression, the causes of breast cysts are rooted in an improper diet. Estrogen receptors are present in fatty tissue, which explains the attractiveness of plump women. However, excess weight is fraught with hormonal imbalances.

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Symptoms of a Breast Cyst

By touch, a cyst in the breast is revealed as a soft type of subcutaneous formation or a dense clot located deep in the tissues. Cysts form in any area of the mammary gland, mainly in the upper section. The shape of the breast remains unchanged. If the cystic formation is large and close to the surface, then a bulge may be noticeable.

Pain in the mammary gland manifests itself most often on the eve of menstruation. When the cyst communicates with the duct, discharge from the nipple is sometimes observed. The skin becomes swollen with a reddish tint only in cases of cyst inflammation. The process is accompanied by an increase in temperature, sharp twitching pain.

To summarize, the symptoms of a breast cyst that require a visit to the doctor:

• palpation reveals a round formation;
• over time, growth of the elastic neoplasm is observed;
• pain syndrome occurs during the second phase of the menstrual cycle.

The appearance of pain in the mammary gland is an unpleasant phenomenon, often causing groundless worries in addition to discomfort. The most common cause of pain syndrome, called cyclical, is the approaching menstruation. Some medications, cystic or cancerous neoplasms can cause pain syndrome. It should be noted that a cyst in the breast, like cancer, rarely causes pain and develops asymptomatically.

Large formations, easily identified by touch and leading to deformation of the mammary gland, are accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, engorgement and distension mainly in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.

When a cyst in the chest hurts, it may indicate its suppuration. Moreover, the pain sharply increases, takes on a pulsating tone with irradiation to the neck, arm or shoulder blade area. The pain becomes so intense that it deprives the woman of sleep. Infection occurs against the background of general weakness with an increase in temperature, often with nausea and vomiting. The skin at the site of the lesion turns red and becomes hot. Palpation reveals a soft formation that does not have clear contours.

Cyst in the left breast

A breast cyst is formed in one of the glands or simultaneously on both sides, and can be solitary (single) or multiple. Solitary cysts are classified as fibrocystic mastopathy of a diffuse type, in which the cystic component predominates.

The cyst in the left breast develops against the background of imbalance, age-related changes in the body. The cause of the pathological formation are stress, abortion, hormonal imbalance, poor nutrition, surgical intervention, etc.

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Cyst in the right breast

A cyst in the right breast, as well as a neoplasm on the left, may well form after breast enlargement. The fact is that statistics on cystic pathology do not take into account the factor of previously performed mammoplasty. Like any surgical intervention, it is an unnatural process that disrupts the functioning of capillaries and nerve endings. A foreign implant is introduced into the tissue, squeezing it in one way or another.

It is difficult to state unequivocally about a hereditary predisposition to the development of cysts. A number of doctors do not ignore this possibility, because the structure and structure of the mammary gland are inherited. There is no clinical data confirming this theory.

Small cysts in the breast

Formations of several millimeters cannot be differentiated independently, without resorting to ultrasound examination. A small cyst in the breast (up to 15 mm) does not pose a danger, but is subject to constant observation by a specialist.

If multiple or small cysts are detected in the breast, conservative therapy is prescribed, which involves the use of herbal remedies, homeopathy, and hormonal agents. The purpose of such treatment is anti-inflammatory, resolving action, correction of immunity and associated problems (endocrine, psychoemotional, etc.).

Cysts appear due to internal changes in the body, dysfunctions of its various organs or systems. Based on this, the treatment regimen is selected individually for each woman. The most important thing is to correctly establish the root cause of the disease and not to self-medicate, so as not to aggravate the problem.

Breast cyst during pregnancy

The period of pregnancy is characterized by an increase in the level of progesterone, which inhibits the contractile activity of the uterine muscles and suppresses the action of estrogen.

As is known, a cyst in the breast develops against the background of an excess of the female hormone estrogen and prolactin, produced by the pituitary gland. Hormonal imbalance is formed for a number of reasons - abortions, excessive loads, stress, endocrine disorders, etc. Treatment is carried out using the drugs "indinol" and "mastodinone", which reduce hormonal secretion.

The phenomenon of hyperestrogenism (increased estrogen levels in the blood) should have passed with the onset of pregnancy, but clinical practice shows the opposite. Conception and breastfeeding do not affect cystic neoplasms in any way.

Pregnancy is the time when the mammary glands prepare for feeding. Estrogens cause swelling, an increase in breast size, and prepare the ducts for milk to move toward the nipple. Progesterone somewhat restrains these changes, without interfering with the body's preparation for natural feeding of the baby.

If a small cyst is found in the breast and pregnancy, the latter may serve as a reason for its spontaneous resorption. Unfortunately, in cases of large, formed formations, this does not happen. Cysts can grow during pregnancy, and decrease in size during the period of feeding.

Treatment of cystic formations that grow during pregnancy is carried out by a puncture method with the introduction of air to fuse the capsule walls. Small cysts are only observed.

A breast cyst during pregnancy requires a diet that excludes fatty meat, fried foods, coffee, chocolate and cocoa. These products cause an increase in cholesterol in the blood, which in turn affects the activation of estrogens. The doctor may prescribe hepatoprotectors (for example, "Essentiale") to improve liver function.

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Is a breast cyst dangerous?

The diagnosis of a breast cyst is a fairly common problem that appears due to natural age-related changes, under the influence of hormonal changes.

A cyst can be differentiated in a woman of any age. Often, neoplasms occur after 35 years. The frequency of detection of pathology increases as menopause approaches, and after its onset, they pass on their own or do not form at all. Hormonal replacement therapy can become a factor causing the development of menopausal cysts.

Despite the fact that most cystic formations are considered harmless, the question: "Is a breast cyst dangerous?" is best addressed to a specialist. Self-resorption of cysts in the mammary glands is quite rare. In fact, a timely detected, not neglected pathological focus is easily treated. In cases of small cysts, conservative therapy is prescribed. Good results are given by phytotherapy, the use of homeopathic remedies. Herbal compositions are selected in such a way that they have a complex effect on metabolic processes, liver function, and the mental state of the patient. For formations exceeding 15 mm, a puncture is performed.

Cystic formations very rarely transform into malignant tumors. The presence of a cyst is also not associated with being in a risk group for oncological diseases.

Breast Cyst Diagnosis

Self-diagnosis should be performed monthly or once every three months; with more frequent control, your hands will not feel the difference. The most suitable period is a week after menstruation, when the mammary gland is soft. The detection of seals, swelling, redness of the skin, brown or bloody discharge is a reason to contact a specialist.

At any age, diagnostics of a breast cyst includes an ultrasound examination or X-ray mammography. Patients under 35 are examined by ultrasound, since their breast tissue is quite dense, which prevents obtaining a clear image using mammography.

It is the ultrasound technique that allows differentiating a cystic formation from a fibroadenoma. During mammography, the size, shape and number of neoplasms are determined. Ultrasound gives a complete picture of the capsule wall, as well as the presence of intracavitary growths.

In some cases, a biopsy and blood sampling for hormones are required. Laboratory tests are used to exclude the presence of cancer cells in large formations. At the same time, the woman should be examined for inflammatory diseases of the genital area.

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What to do if a breast cyst bursts?

A complication of a long-standing cyst is its inflammation with subsequent infection and suppuration. The infection can enter through lymphatic, hematogenous or through nipple microcracks. The pathological process is always accompanied by reddening of the skin, fever, "shooting" or "bursting" pain and signs of intoxication.

During the development of the cyst, its capsule may rupture and the cavity of the formation may contract on its own, i.e., recovery. The site of the burst cyst often fills with fluid again over time and a new formation is formed.

Any cystic formation should be monitored by a specialist. Patients are advised to visit a doctor for a physical examination, do a mammogram or ultrasound. What to do if a cyst in the breast bursts? In case of loss of integrity of the cyst capsule, an examination should be done to make sure that there is no fluid left in the duct, the accumulation of which can lead to a relapse.

Breast Cyst Treatment

Medical treatment of a small breast cyst includes the use of herbal compositions, homeopathic preparations, and dietary supplements. Seaweed extract has become widespread, replacing potassium iodide solution. Medicinal substances based on cauliflower and broccoli are actively used. Phyto-collections recommended by doctors have a systemic effect on the problem, normalizing metabolism in the body, beneficially affecting the liver and psycho-emotional background.

In order to prevent relapse, ozone or air is introduced into cysts over 15 mm in diameter by puncture to smooth out the cavity wall, and drainage (dehydration) techniques are also used. If none of the listed methods give a lasting result, the cyst in the breast is subject to removal.

An increase in the size of the cyst may be a reason for performing a puncture under ultrasound control, when the doctor punctures the capsule of the cystic formation with a thin needle. When aspirating all the liquid contents and the conclusion of the cytological study about the absence of cells prone to further development, about 80% of the procedures are considered successful, not leading to relapses.

If even a small amount of fluid remains, it will accumulate again over time and another puncture will be required. The introduction of ozone causes an anti-inflammatory effect and allows for more reliable gluing of the walls of the cystic cavity. Two or three repeated punctures that have not yielded results may serve as a reason for removing the cyst together with the breast tissue (sectoral resection method).

Treatment of breast cysts is carried out in parallel with an immunocorrective program and regulation of hormonal levels.

Breast cyst removal

Most cysts do not require surgical treatment. However, if growth is detected on the surface of the inner wall, a puncture is required and cellular material is taken for analysis. Benign neoplasms are subject to sectoral resection. The downside of this method is the scar, which affects lactation. Milk will stagnate in the ducts destroyed as a result of the truncation. For this reason, it is very important to promptly detect, examine, and treat a cyst in the breast if necessary.

In the case of cysts up to 2 cm, vacuum aspiration biopsy may be sufficient if the necessary equipment is available for such manipulation. The surgical intervention lasts up to half an hour and is performed under local anesthesia. As a result, the cyst in the breast is removed along with the parietal growth.

Even huge cysts can be treated, and breast surgeons do everything possible to preserve the beauty of the breasts and make the consequences of the operation less noticeable.

In case of a malignant neoplasm, more serious therapy is prescribed in accordance with all principles of treatment of cancer pathologies.

Treatment of breast cysts with folk remedies

Modern herbal medicines save a lot of time. If you are used to making potions yourself, remember that any remedy is good after timely diagnostics and a competent diagnosis. Referring to "grandmother's recipes" should be combined with monitoring the cystic formation in dynamics.

A compress based on a cabbage leaf, as well as vodka lotions, remain the most effective methods at the beginning of the inflammatory process, as an anti-edematous and resolving agent.

Treatment of a breast cyst with folk remedies should be started after consulting a specialist. A positive effect is observed when applying compresses based on St. John's wort and burdock. For a St. John's wort decoction, you will need 1 tbsp. of dry raw materials and a glass of boiling water, the tincture is kept for some time, cooled and used as a fabric bandage on the site with the cyst.

From 10 grams of burdock root, make a gruel using a grater or grinder, pour boiling water over it, and leave for up to 3 hours. The resulting, strained and cooled infusion is taken orally half an hour before meals in the amount of a tablespoon twice a day.

Breast cysts can be treated with lesser-known but effective herbs – large-leaved gentian and sweet clover. These natural ingredients are easier to buy at a pharmacy than to prepare yourself. A tablespoon of gentian root is placed in a glass of warm water and boiled in this volume. The cooled, strained decoction is applied to the problem area as a compress.

Popular ointments are based on celandine juice and melted butter, taken in equal proportions. The oil is heated, cooled slightly, placed in a glass container, to which celandine is added and thoroughly mixed for a uniform composition. This mixture is rubbed onto the cystic area, left for four hours, and then washed off.

Among the mass of recipes, it is important to choose only one method of treatment that suits you. A phytotherapist will help you correctly draw up a treatment plan based on the unique characteristics of a particular organism.

Breast Cyst Prevention

Even in cases where the mammary glands do not cause any discomfort, women of childbearing age should be observed by a doctor at least twice a year. In order not to fall into the risk group, it makes sense to use dose-free screening technologies (radiometry, electrical impedance mammography, etc.). Women over forty are recommended to undergo X-ray mammography regardless of the presence or absence of complaints.

Particular attention is paid to preventing factors that cause the development of cystic neoplasms. Prevention of breast cysts includes:

• building a healthy diet that supports normal metabolism in the body;
• being in constant motion (it doesn’t matter whether you are into sports or doing housework);
• compliance with the principles of feeding and pumping.

The presence of the problem of excess weight and poor metabolism entail failures of endocrine and hormonal nature. A cyst in the breast is often formed after an abortion, inflammatory, infectious diseases. If any of the listed diseases are detected, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Giving up bad habits, boosting immunity, taking herbal infusions in courses - this is also prevention of breast cysts. You should also avoid visiting solariums and sunbathing topless.

Breast Cyst Prognosis

The development of a cyst into a tumor formation occurs very rarely, only in 10% of clinical practice. Most cysts are safe and lead to a maximum of discomfort in the mammary gland area. It should be remembered that even large tumors are subject to treatment.

However, you should not let the process take its course, waiting for the pathological focus to disappear on its own, nor should you panic, imagining the division of cancer cells and a surgical scalpel. Most often, the prognosis for a breast cyst is favorable. A diagnosed small breast cyst does not affect the course of pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding.

According to experts, a large part of successful treatment depends on the patient's positive attitude to the surrounding reality, the ability not to panic. The ability to love yourself, to go through life with a smile work real miracles, normalizing the production of sex hormones, increasing immunity and dissolving such pathological foci as a cyst in the breast.