Breast Cysts

Breast cysts are the most common breast problem. They can be accompanied by breast pain.

Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, form as a result of enlargement of the milk duct glands in the breast. They occur in one in every 14 women and most commonly in women between the ages of 40 and 49.

Cysts generally constitute 25 percent of breast masses. One-fifth of these cysts are larger than 1 cm. They can be a single cyst or consist of multiple cysts of various sizes within the breast tissue.

They are often located in the upper-outer quadrant of the breast, but they can affect the entire breast tissue and cause symptoms in both breasts simultaneously.

They usually do not require treatment and can be monitored.

Large cysts that bother the patient can rarely be drained with a needle. However, this procedure is not permanent and can recur.