Patient's question:
What types of small breast cysts are there? Chongqing, breast diseaseDoctor's answer:
Chongqing Breast Surgery Hospital, Chongqing Modern Women's Hospital explains that breast small cysts can be divided into two types: breast cysts and lactational cysts.1. Simple cysts are secretions of the breast that accumulate in the ductular tissue, forming cysts. The epithelial cells in the affected area show significant apocrine secretion. This is caused by endocrine disorders leading to ductular epithelial hyperplasia, an increase in intraductal cells, causing ducts to extend, bend, and fold. The anterior wall at the folded area may undergo necrosis due to ischemia, forming a cyst. Patients often discover the lump unintentionally. The lump is round, oval, or elliptical, with a smooth surface, clear boundaries, and is movable, either solitary or multiple. Solitary cysts grow rapidly, and patients may report discovering a breast lump overnight. These cysts are often accompanied by breast tenderness before menstruation.
2. Lactational cysts, also known as (milk retention cysts), are primarily formed due to blockage of a duct during lactation, leading to milk accumulation and the development of small breast cysts. They are commonly found during pregnancy and lactation or after lactation. The lump is often round or elliptical, with a smooth surface, cystic texture, clear boundaries, and high mobility, without adhesion to the skin. If secondary infection occurs, inflammatory reactions such as local redness, swelling, heat, and pain may be observed, along with lymph node enlargement in the affected axilla.