About breast cysts

Patient's question:

BR>Age of the patient: 28
Morphological contours of bilateral breasts are normal, echogenicity of glandular tissue is normal, no thickening observed, no dilation of breast ducts. In the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, two fluid areas are visible, measuring 74mm and 63mm respectively, with clear boundaries. The examining physician recommends regular breast ultrasound follow-up and surgical consultation. Severity and treatment methods. Onset and duration of the current illness: No symptoms were present, detected during a physical examination. Current general condition: The patient is currently unmarried. Medical history: None.

Doctor's answer:

Common breast cysts include simple cysts and galactoceles. Simple cysts are the most common type of breast cyst. They are primarily caused by endocrine disorders leading to the proliferation of ductal epithelium, an increase in intraductal cells, resulting in duct extension, tortuosity, and folding. In the folded areas, the duct wall undergoes necrosis due to ischemia, forming a cyst.
On X-ray, simple cysts appear as round or oval dense shadows with smooth edges and uniform density. Due to the cyst compressing 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.
Galactoceles, also known as (milk retention cysts), are less common than simple cysts. They are primarily caused by obstruction of a duct during lactation, leading to milk accumulation and cyst formation. On X-ray, galactoceles 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. Galactoceles 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), with each lobule connected to the nipple via a lactiferous duct. 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 after menstruation, the breast may become noticeably swollen and then shrink. During pregnancy and lactation, it may also swell. The changes in the breast are closely related to the estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries.
Fibroadenomas are another type of benign tumor, more common in women aged 30–50, especially those nearing menopause. The breast is a hormone-sensitive organ, and hormones are secreted in particularly high amounts during menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. Under excessive stimulation, the breast produces more secretions and is prone to developing 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, but if they grow larger and coincide with high hormone levels, they may cause pain and even form palpable 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 cyst.
Does fibroadenoma increase the risk of breast cancer? Currently, there is no definitive evidence to establish a direct link between the two. However, Dr. Qiming Chen, a breast surgeon at (Hesin Hospital), believes, "Fibroadenomas are simply fibroadenomas, while breast cancer is the abnormal proliferation of cells from the outset. The two conditions are fundamentally different. What we should be concerned about is not identifying the focus of breast cancer."
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 checks at the hospital.