Breast Cysts
Understanding Fluid-Filled Breast Lumps
Breast cysts are common benign fluid-filled lumps that primarily affect women approaching menopause. Our expert team provides comprehensive diagnosis and management.
What are Breast Cysts?
Breast cysts are fluid filled collections with a cell lining and are benign. Cysts may present as a lump or may be found on a mammogram or ultrasound as a mass. If large and tense they may cause pain.
How Common are Cysts?
Cysts are very common and increase in incidence leading up to menopause. Beyond menopause, as oestrogen levels drop, cysts become less common. Some women may develop many cysts.
Key Facts
- • More common approaching menopause
- • Related to oestrogen levels
- • Some women develop multiple cysts
What Causes Cysts?
The exact cause of cysts is not well understood but relates to fluid building up and causing ducts to swell in a localised area.
Diagnosis
Cysts are easily diagnosed on ultrasound as a well-defined mass of fluid density (black centre on ultrasound) and generally needle biopsy is not required for the diagnosis.
Ultrasound image showing characteristic appearance of breast cyst with fluid density
Diagnostic Features
Treatment
Simple Relief Available
If a cyst is painful it can be easily drained with a needle under ultrasound guidance and surgery is not required.
Diagram illustrating needle drainage procedure for symptomatic breast cysts
Expert Care for Breast Cysts
Get expert evaluation and treatment for breast cysts from our FRACS qualified breast specialists. Quick diagnosis and pain relief when needed.