One of the greatest fears among women today is the development of breast cancer. However, breast cysts and breast cancer are not necessarily the same. Here, we will learn about the types of cysts and what steps to take if we find lumps or cysts during a self-exam or a gynecological exam with our doctor.
There are many myths circulating online and elsewhere that suggest a direct link between the presence of breast cysts and the development of breast cancer. This is not true. However, it is important to monitor, minimize, or suppress the development of breast cysts. This is because, while there is no common direct link between breast cysts and cancer, studies show that cysts are more likely to occur in women who have never had children, those with irregular menstrual cycles, or patients with a family history of breast cancer.
A breast cyst is a collection of fluid in the breast. It is typically a small, well-defined sac, about the size of a chickpea or smaller, and usually contains fluid. There is no specific time for their occurrence. They can even occur in very young women, including girls in the developmental stage, typically between 10 and 12 years old. These are usually the most common type of cyst, although some cysts may have solid contents.
Another type of breast cyst is called a fibroadenoma. These are usually asymptomatic, painless, and discovered as a hard, mobile lump that feels like it can move freely between the fingers (similar to a chickpea). They are also benign. They result from the excessive proliferation of breast tissue and, while they may be confused with other cysts, they are different. Fibroadenomas are more common before menopause and are usually associated with hormonal changes during puberty and young adulthood.
Treatment for cysts typically involves monitoring by the patient. Surgery is rarely necessary, but if removal is desired, simple cysts can be drained with a needle, while complex cysts may require biopsy and surgical removal.
Breast cysts can have a wide range of causes.
Considering the anatomical structure of the breast, the ducts are often blocked, leading to the accumulation of fluid and the formation of breast cysts. If isolated, they may have a genetic origin, though this is uncommon. In most cases, the cause is a benign change in breast tissue (mastopathy), which usually begins during menopause. This may be due to hormonal imbalances at this stage of life and fibrocystic changes (common and benign spontaneous changes in breast tissue). These are very common in healthy breasts and are considered normal mutations.
It is important to understand that breasts are generally affected by hormonal changes in women. Therefore, self-examinations should be done before or after the menstrual period, as the size of the breasts often changes depending on the hormonal phase. It is always good to perform self-exams at the same time each month. A diet high in xanthines (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, seafood, cola drinks, and similar items) may predispose the body to the appearance of cysts. A risk factor that increases the incidence of both benign and malignant cysts is obesity. Additionally, the lack of breastfeeding in women often predisposes them to cysts: women who have not had children tend to suffer more than those who have. Another factor that increases the likelihood of cysts is the onset of menopause.
It should also be noted that drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are risk factors for breast cancer but not for the formation of cysts. Many popular "measures" are discussed to explain why cysts occur and how to prevent them, but these are often untrue. For example, myths suggest that mammograms are not performed because they damage the breasts, that frequent or accidental impacts cause cancer, that aspiration (using a needle to analyze the content) spreads the cyst, or that biopsies do the same with cancer. It is also said that contraceptives or implants may promote cyst formation. These rumors should not be given much attention, as they are simply myths, and the real causes of their origin are very different.
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