Treatment of breast cyst

A breast cyst is a formation in the breast tissue that represents a capsule filled with fluid. Such changes can occur in women of different ages and are often associated with hormonal fluctuations in the body. The size of the formation can vary from several millimeters to several centimeters.

In many cases, the formation does not cause pronounced symptoms for a long time and is detected during a preventive examination or an ultrasound examination of the mammary glands. However, sometimes it can cause discomfort, a feeling of pressure, or pain in the breast, especially before menstruation. Timely consultation with a doctor allows determining the nature of the formation, excluding possible complications, and selecting the optimal treatment strategy.

The development of formations of this type is most often associated with hormonal changes, disruption of the endocrine system, or diseases of the reproductive system. Under the influence of these factors, expansion of the mammary ducts, accumulation of secretion in them, and formation of a capsule filled with fluid may occur. In some cases, a ductal breast cyst is formed, which occurs due to blockage or dilation of the duct.

The main causes include:

• hormonal disorders, in particular an increase in estrogen or prolactin levels;
• gynecological diseases that affect hormonal balance;
• incorrect or uncontrolled use of hormonal medications;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• blockage of the mammary duct that leads to accumulation of secretion;
• intraductal formations, for example papillomas.

Such factors may cause changes in the breast tissues and the gradual formation of capsules of different sizes. Therefore, when lumps or discomfort appear in the breast, it is important to consult a doctor in time for examination.

The severity of symptoms is proportional to the size of the formation — the larger the cyst in the breast, the more discomfort it causes the patient. Small cysts do not bother a woman and are almost always diagnosed during preventive examinations. Larger ones may cause pulling sensations, pain, and burning. When very large, the shape of the breast may change, and the skin may acquire a bluish tint.

A woman may recognize the presence of formations herself — during preventive self-examination and palpation of the breasts. A cyst in the mammary glands is felt as an immobile lump with clearly defined borders, painful when pressed.

Although some formations may not cause discomfort, they must be examined, because the walls of the capsule, as well as its contents, may have a malignant nature. However, in the vast majority of cases they are benign formations.

As already mentioned, the formation can be detected during examination. Palpation allows the mammologist to assume the presence of a cyst during the initial examination and to prescribe an additional examination — ultrasound of the mammary glands.

Ultrasound makes it possible not only to confirm the presence of capsule growth but also to distinguish the formation from a fibroadenoma. These formations are distinguished by the doctor during palpation (a cyst is an immobile lump, while a fibroadenoma is usually a mobile lump), but the final conclusion can be made only based on the results of breast ultrasound.

If the size of the formation is more than one and a half centimeters or its appearance is caused by the growth of a papilloma inside the duct of the mammary gland, a biopsy is prescribed. This involves taking a small piece of tissue for examination, which makes it possible to exclude its malignant nature. The sample is taken under ultrasound guidance.

Treatment methods depend on the size of the formation, its structure, the presence of inflammation, and other factors. At “Oxford Medical”, modern minimally invasive techniques are used for this purpose, ensuring high effectiveness and minimal discomfort for the patient.

One of the common methods is puncture. This procedure involves removing fluid from the capsule cavity using a thin needle under ultrasound guidance. In some cases, after puncture, medications are injected into the cavity to prevent the capsule from forming again.

Surgical removal of a breast cyst is used in cases where the formation is large, causes significant discomfort, refills with fluid after puncture, or there is suspicion of complications, including inflammation or signs of a malignant process. During the operation, the formation is removed together with its capsule, which minimizes the risk of recurrence.

This approach is safe and effective due to modern anesthesia methods and minimally invasive techniques that are actively used at the “Oxford Medical” clinic. Patients can be confident in the high level of professionalism of the doctors and comfortable recovery conditions after the procedure.

The cost of treatment depends on the chosen method and the complexity of the case. For example, the price may vary depending on whether a puncture will be performed or surgery will be prescribed. You can предварительно ознакомиться with the prices here. The doctor will provide more detailed information about the treatment program and its cost during the initial consultation.

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