If you have pain and a lump in your breast, don’t immediately worry thinking you have cancer. It could be cysts, which are one of the benign diseases of the breast. However, do not neglect your check-ups relying solely on this.
Hisar Hospital General Surgery Specialists provided information about frequently asked questions regarding breast cysts.
Don’t Let Breast Pain Scare You
Breast cysts may not cause any complaints, but they can manifest as pain, a feeling of fullness, and sensitivity in the breasts, especially during the premenstrual period, or as a lump in the breast. The complaint of breast pain or a lump immediately raises cancer fears in women. However, only 5-10% of breast cancer cases are associated with pain. Pain complaints are often encountered in benign breast diseases such as breast cysts.
Can Be Monitored with Ultrasound
Diagnosis of cystic disease of the breast is made via ultrasound. Cysts can be solitary or found widely. Cysts that are homogeneous, have smooth edges, are millimeter-sized, and do not cause complaints in the patient can be monitored with ultrasound at regular intervals without biopsy. If growth or irregularity is observed during ultrasound follow-ups, a needle biopsy may be performed. In cases where the cyst size exceeds 2 cm, the cyst content can be drained with a needle under ultrasound guidance. In cases of recurring cysts despite three drainage procedures, surgical removal of that area may be considered.
Regular Monitoring of Breast Cysts is Essential!
Monitoring breast cysts is often sufficient. When necessary, cysts can be drained under ultrasound guidance. Additionally, we recommend that patients wear a bra day and night, eat caffeine-free, and follow a salt-free diet during the premenstrual period. Pain relievers can be taken in cases of intense breast pain. Some herbal extracts that are reported to reduce premenstrual abdominal pain and also shrink cysts in the breast can be used.
Not Every Lump Means Cancer!
Not every tissue mass felt in the breast is a lump, nor does every lump mean cancer. About 1 in 10 lumps carries a risk of cancer. However, even if it is proven to be benign, every breast mass should be monitored at regular intervals. Fibrocystic disease itself is a benign condition. However, women who have experienced this disease at some point in their lives have a threefold higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who have not.
Don’t Neglect Regular Screening Every Year
It is wrong to wait for a lump to appear in the breast to get a check-up. Early diagnosis of breast cancer is only possible through screening programs. The first step in screening programs is self-examination. Self-examinations can begin from the age of 20. The week after menstruation is the ideal time for examination. After the age of 35, individuals should have a check-up with a general surgeon once a year and get their first mammogram. After the age of 40, women at risk should have a mammogram once a year, while those without risk factors should have one every two years. After the age of 50, all women should have a mammogram once a year. Ultrasound can also be performed frequently alongside mammography.
