A breast cyst is just a fluid-filled sac found in the breast. It is possible to have many such cysts at the same time and they are distinct from other breast tumors in that they are round or oval and they have distinct edges. Another distinction from other breast tumors is that their texture is like a balloon that is full of water; however, some cysts that are firm. The category of women who are at the greatest risk of getting these cysts are women in their late 30s, 40s and 50s, but it is important to know that unless a woman is undergoing hormone therapy for any reason such as treatment for breast cancer, these cysts usually disappear after a woman has reached menopause. These cysts are formed when normal milk glands grow bigger than natural. The size of a normal cyst can be as small as a bean or as large as a ping pong ball, or more in extreme cases. Although cysts are not dangerous in most cases, it is important to seek medical advice the moment you notice something.

Breast cancer tumors are detected the same way as breast cysts. Women should do self-examination every morning and evening when taking a shower. Since it is hard for an untrained person to differentiate between the two, any lump should be reported to the doctor. When you get to the hospital, a mammogram will be done and if this shows there is a tumor, a breast ultrasound will be done. Only a breast ultrasound that will show what type of tumor it is – whether the lump is fluid-filled or whether it is solid. The breast ultrasound will also determine whether the cyst is complex or simple – this method has near 100% accuracy.

One reason why breasts cysts should be examined is that sometimes they are malignant, although the ratio is one in a thousand. When a breast ultrasound is done, doctors are able to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Unless there is a family history of breast cancer, women with cysts are at no greater risk of getting breast cancer.

When you have cysts in breast that is painful or that you want to remove for any other reason, you may choose to undergo a procedure called needle aspiration. This is a method used to drain or aspirate the cyst and the cyst will disappear. In places where there are no ultrasound machines, this method is used to get samples from the lump for lab analysis.

Diagnostic and not screening mammograms should be done because cysts of breast usually change in size. If the cyst is not disturbing you in any way, there is no need to have it removed, but if it is too big or painful, the breast cyst can be removed.