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 cysts can be divided into two types: breast cysts and lactational cysts.1. Simple cysts are formed by the retention of breast secretions in the ductular tissue. The epithelial cells in the affected area show significant apocrine secretion, which is caused by endocrine disorders leading to ductular epithelial hyperplasia, an increase in intraductular cells, duct extension, tortuosity, and folding. Due to ischemia, the anterior wall of the duct at the fold may necrotize, forming a cyst. Patients often discover the lump unintentionally. The lump is round, oval, or egg-shaped, with a smooth surface, clear boundaries, and mobility. It can be 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 caused by the obstruction of a duct during lactation, leading to milk retention and the formation of small breast cysts. They are commonly found during pregnancy and lactation or after lactation. The lump is often round or egg-shaped, with a smooth surface, a cystic texture, clear boundaries, and high mobility, without adhesion to the skin. If secondary infection occurs, local redness, swelling, heat, and pain may be observed, along with lymph node enlargement in the axilla of the affected side.