Patient's question:
Patient gender: Female Laboratory test results: ChickenpoxDoctor's answer:
Breast cysts, also known as galactostasis, are formed during lactation when the milk flow from one lobe is obstructed, leading to milk accumulation within the breast. Clinically, the main presentation is a breast mass, which is often misdiagnosed as a breast tumor. If discovered, surgical removal should be considered. The surgery typically involves the simple excision of the mass. During lactation, if there is a secondary infection, the infection should be controlled, and lactation should be suspended before the mass is removed for pathology examination. Common types of breast cysts include simple cysts and milk retention cysts. Simple cysts are the most common type of breast cyst. They are primarily caused by endocrine disorders leading to the proliferation of ductal epithelium and an increase in intraductal cells, resulting in duct extension, tortuosity, and folding. Necrosis occurs at the folded areas due to ischemia, forming cysts. On X-ray, simple cysts appear as round or oval dense shadows with smooth edges and uniform density. Due to the compression of surrounding adipose tissue, a "halo" of lucency is often observed around the cyst wall. The density of the cyst is similar to or slightly denser than that of breast glandular tissue. Solitary cysts are typically round, while multiple cysts are often oval, more commonly found on both sides. Milk retention cysts, also known as lactational retention cysts, are less common than simple cysts and are primarily formed due to the obstruction of a duct during lactation, leading to milk accumulation. On X-ray, milk retention cysts appear as round or oval lucencies, with diameters of approximately 1–2 cm, occasionally exceeding 3 cm. The density of the cyst is similar to that of fat. These cysts can occur in any part of the breast, but are most commonly found in the deeper regions.The breast is composed of the nipple, areolae, surrounding breast tissue, and the skin covering them. Each breast contains 15–20 (lobules), each with a lactiferous duct leading to the nipple. The size of these (lobules) varies with age or hormones. For example, during puberty, a flat chest gradually develops into a mature breast. Before and during the menstrual cycle, the breasts may swell significantly and then subside. They also swell during pregnancy and lactation. Changes in the breast are closely related to the estrogen and progesterone hormones secreted by the ovaries.
Fibroadenomas are another type of benign tumor that commonly affects women aged 30–50, especially those nearing menopause. The breast is a hormone-sensitive organ, and hormones are secreted in particularly high amounts during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and lactation. Under excessive stimulation, the breast produces more secretions and is prone to the formation of cysts. A single cyst is called a "water sac," while a series of cysts are referred to as "fibroadenomas." When small, cysts may not cause any symptoms. However, if they grow larger and coincide with a surge in hormones, they may cause pain and can even be felt as hard lumps. Women often become very frightened by such sudden lumps, fearing they may be breast cancer.
There are many treatment options for fibroadenomas. If the cyst is solitary, doctors often use needle aspiration to remove the fluid. Additionally, patients with more pronounced symptoms may take diuretics, pain relievers, hormone medications, or oral contraceptives to alleviate discomfort caused by the cysts.
Does fibroadenoma increase the risk of breast cancer? Currently, there is no definitive evidence linking the two, but Dr. Qiming Chen, a breast surgeon from Ande Hospital, believes, "Fibroadenomas are fibroadenomas, while breast cancer is the abnormal proliferation of cells from the beginning. The two are fundamentally different. What we should be concerned about is not identifying the focus of breast cancer." However, statistical data shows that women with fibroadenomas have a 2–4 times higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population. Therefore, women who have had fibroadenomas must strengthen self-examinations and undergo annual follow-up examinations at the hospital.