Simple Cysts

There is another condition which is sometimes confused with cystic disease. These "cysts" are sometimes termed fibro-cystic disease. They are solid, painless, and do not typically enlarge or change with hormonal fluctuations. These growths can be andenopathic. These growths are typically easily distinguished from cancer by mamography or ultrasound. These adenopathies tend to signal the increased potential for breast cancer development later on. "Cysts are not cancers and there is no evidence that cysts become cancers. Cysts are sacs in the breast filled with fluid that feel like a "lump."

Breast cysts are common especially among women between the ages of 40-60. Breast ultrasound identifies cysts. It is extremely important to find out whether what you have is just a cyst or something else.

Breast cysts are categorized as simple cysts or complex cysts. "Simple Cysts" are identified and are generally benign being round or oval with smooth edges. "Complex Cysts" contain debris and aspiration is usually required. Techniques used for aspiration (biopsy) include fine-needle aspiration (also called percutaneous), core-needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy.

The pathologist will check the fluid obtained from the aspiration to determine there are no cancer cells.