Un cyst is an abnormal cavity filled with fluid or semi-fluid that forms in an organ or tissue. The vast majority of cysts are benign, that is, not cancerous. However, they can interfere with the functioning of an organ or cause pain.

Un breast cyst contains liquid produced by mammary glands. Some are too small to be felt by touch. If the fluid accumulates, you may feel a oval or round mass 1 cm or 2 cm in diameter, which moves easily under the fingers. The cyst tends to get hard and tender before your period.

According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States and the Canadian Cancer Society, breast tissue undergoes changes microscopic in almost all women from their thirties. These changes will become noticeable in 1 in 2 women, who will detect a lump or feel pain in the breasts. Today, doctors consider these changes to be part of the normal reproductive cycle.

Diagnostic

when mass is detected on a breast, the doctor first analyzes the nature of this mass: cystic (liquid) or tumor (solid). It is important to observe themass evolution : does it increase in volume before menstruation? Does it disappear from one cycle to another? Neither palpation nor mammography can tell if it is a cyst. An ultrasound can find a cyst, but the best way is to insert a thin needle into the lump. This procedure can often be done in the doctor’s office. If fluid can be sucked in, it is not bloody, and the lump goes away completely, it is a simple cyst. The aspirated liquid does not need to be analyzed. If thebreast exam is normal 4 to 6 weeks later, no further examination will be necessary. The advantage of this method is that it is also curative (see the section Medical treatments).

If the fluid contains blood, if the mass does not disappear completely with aspiration of the fluid or if there is a recurrence, a sample will be analyzed in the laboratory and it is necessary to carry out other specific tests (mammography, radiography breast, ultrasound, biopsy) to check whether the lump is cancerous or not.

When to consult?

Although 90% of breast masses are mild, it is important to see a doctor for any lump or change detected during a self-examination breasts. Consult quickly if a mass:

• is new, unusual, or getting bigger;
• is unrelated to the menstrual cycle or does not go away the next cycle;
• is hard, firm or solid;
• has an irregular outline;
• seems firmly attached to the inside of the chest;
• is associated with dimples or folds of the skin near the nipple;
• is accompanied by red, itchy skin.