Breast cyst

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A mammary cyst is a rounded or ovoidal lump full of a fluid that, usually, is benign. Eventhough they can appear at any age, they are more frequent between 40 and 50 years old.  

Mammary cysts can appear as a unique lump or multiple ones and they present as a palpable matter alongside pain and associated discomfort to it. Mammary cysts can vary in size, number and symptom magnitude.

They are diagnosed through a physical exploration and a mammary ultrasound.

Bibliographic references
  1. Courtillot C, Plu-Bureau G, Binart N, et al. Benign breast diseases. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2005; 10:325.
  2. Berg WA, Sechtin AG, Marques H, Zhang Z. Cystic breast masses and the ACRIN 6666 experience. Radiol Clin North Am 2010; 48:931.
  3. Berg WA, Campassi CI, Ioffe OB. Cystic lesions of the breast: sonographic-pathologic correlation. Radiology 2003; 227:183.
  4. Hughes LE, Mansel RE, Webster DJ. Aberrations of normal development and involution (ANDI): a new perspective on pathogenesis and nomenclature of benign breast disorders. Lancet 1987; 2:1316.

 

 

Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Breast lump with well-defined borders


    Mobile breast lump


    Breast lump


    Soft lump on the skin


    Breast pain - mastalgia

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Reddening and increase of the temperature in the area
Cyst accelerated growth

Self-care

Use a firm bra to ease discomfort.
Apply a warm compress to diminish the pain.
Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Reduce caffeine consumption.