Breast Cysts – Symptoms and Causes
Breast Cyst Information
Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the breast tissue. They are typically harmless and don’t pose serious health risks. Many women may develop one or several cysts in their breasts during their lifetime.
When touched, breast cysts often feel similar to small grapes or water balloons. However, some cysts might feel firm to the touch. The good news is that most breast cysts don’t need treatment.
Women under 50, particularly those who haven’t yet gone through menopause, are more likely to develop breast cysts. Women taking hormone therapy after menopause may also commonly experience these cysts.
Signs and Warning Signs
Breast cysts can appear in one or both breasts. You might notice these common signs:
- A round or oval lump that moves easily when touched
- Fluid coming from the nipple (clear, yellow, straw-colored, or dark brown)
- Pain or tenderness near the lump
- The lump gets bigger and more tender before your period
- The lump shrinking and symptoms improving after your period ends
Having breast cysts does not make you more likely to get breast cancer. However, cysts can make it harder to find new lumps that might need medical attention.
Your breasts may feel lumpy and sore during your period. It helps to know how your breasts normally feel throughout your menstrual cycle so you can notice any changes.
When to Call a Doctor
Breast tissue often feels naturally lumpy or nodular. You should see a doctor if you find a new breast lump that:
- Doesn’t go away
- Gets larger
- Stays the same after one or two menstrual cycles
You should also make an appointment if you notice new skin changes on either breast. Early evaluation helps ensure proper treatment if needed.
Causes
Breast cysts form when fluid builds up inside the glandular tissue of the breast. The breast contains lobes of glandular tissue arranged in a pattern similar to flower petals.
These lobes divide into smaller lobules that produce milk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The breast gets its shape from fatty tissue and fibrous connective tissue that provide support.
Breast cysts come in different sizes:
- Microcysts: Too small to feel but visible on imaging tests like mammograms or ultrasounds.
- Macrocysts: Large enough to feel and can grow to about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) across.
Medical experts don’t fully understand why breast cysts develop. However, hormonal changes appear to play a significant role. Many women notice that cysts form or change size with their monthly menstrual cycle, suggesting a connection to normal hormonal fluctuations.
The formation of breast cysts seems to be related to the breast tissue responding to changing hormone levels. During the menstrual cycle, breasts undergo various changes as hormone levels rise and fall.
These hormonal shifts can affect the breast’s milk-producing glands and ducts.
When the normal drainage pathways in the breast become blocked or altered, fluid can accumulate within the glandular structures. This trapped fluid creates the fluid-filled sacs we identify as breast cysts.
Breast cysts are most common in women between ages 35 and 50 but can occur at any age. They typically develop before menopause, when hormonal fluctuations are most active.
After menopause, breast cysts become less common unless a woman takes hormone replacement therapy.
While most cysts are benign (noncancerous), they should still be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions that might require treatment.
