A breast cyst appears as a lump the breast, is often painful and may be worrisome but is generally benign. Breast cysts are usually part of fibrocystic disease. The pain and swelling is usually worse in the second half of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

The cystic nature of a breast lump can be confirmed by ultrasound examination. Ultrasound can also show if the cyst contains solid nodules, a sign that the lesion may be pre-cancerous or cancerous. Examination by a cytopathologist of the fluid aspirated from the cyst may also help with this diagnosis.

Treatment

Typical treatment involves a Needle aspiration biopsy. Aspirated cysts often recur (come back); definitive treatment may require surgery.

External links

• BreastCancer.org article
• WDXCyber - Informative article