Patient's question:
Problem Description: There is a marble-like lump in the breast. The hospital examination suggests that surgery is required. I want to go to a good hospital for further examination.Doctor's answer:
Common breast cysts include simple cysts and galactoceles.(1) Simple cysts: These are the most common type of breast cyst. They are primarily caused by endocrine disorders leading to the hyperplasia of ductal epithelium, an increase in intraductal cells, and subsequent elongation, tortuosity, and folding of the ducts. In the folded areas, ischemia of the duct wall may occur, resulting in necrosis and the formation of a cyst. This condition is more prevalent in middle-aged women, with round or oval breast masses being the main symptom. Cysts can be solitary or multiple. Solitary cysts often grow rapidly and may be easily confused with breast cancer. The cysts may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle and are often accompanied by premenstrual breast tenderness. For definitive diagnosis, imaging techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration cytology can be performed. If multiple punctures are ineffective, or if epithelial hyperplasia or papillomatosis is confirmed through cytological or histological examination, surgical treatment is recommended.
(2) Galactoceles: Also known as (milk retention cysts), these are less common than simple cysts. They are primarily caused by the obstruction of a duct during lactation, leading to milk accumulation and the formation of a cyst. Galactoceles can occur in any part of the breast, with deep breast involvement being most common. This condition is more common in women of reproductive age and typically occurs during pregnancy and lactation or after weaning. The main clinical symptom is a breast mass. The mass is usually round or oval, with a smooth surface, cystic consistency, clear boundaries, high mobility, and no adhesion to the skin. If secondary infection occurs, local redness, swelling, warmth, and pain may be observed, along with palpable enlarged lymph nodes in the ipsilateral axilla. For larger cysts with a long history and recurrent infections, surgical excision of the cyst is recommended.