Breast Cysts
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Non-Cancerous Breast Condition
Breast cysts are a common, non-cancerous condition that can affect women at any age.
Breast cysts are fluid-filled collections enclosed by a membrane in breast tissue. They are not related to cancer nor do they increase the risk of cancer. The special cells in the membrane lining the cyst are responsible for making the fluid, and they can also absorb this fluid. If cysts appear on a mammogram, they can change the way the mammogram looks from year to year. Breast cysts:
Can affect women at any age
Are so common almost every woman will have some cysts during her life
May get larger, stay the same, get smaller or go away without intervention.
Usually not related to cysts elsewhere, such as on the ovary or in the skin
Do not cause pain in most cases; most breast pain is not related to cysts
Do not cause pain in most cases; most breast pain is not related to cysts
What Causes Breast Cysts?
Breast cysts can appear at any age - in teenagers to 90-year-olds. Most cysts are found in 40-year-olds. This implies that cysts are related to the increased hormone irregularity at this age, but this is not the whole story, as they are still seen in women with no hormonal stimulation. More cysts are seen in post-menopausal women on hormone replacement (estrogen) therapy than in those women who are not taking hormones after menopause.
Health care professionals are not aware of anything in the diet that affects cyst formation or growth. There is a common misconception that caffeine causes cysts. This is not true. Caffeine may cause breast discomfort but will not cause cysts.
Your breast care team may suspect breast cysts or want to evaluate a lump found by physical exam or mammogram results.
If a breast cyst is close to the skin and large enough, or hard, it can be felt with your fingers. Not all lumps felt in the breast will be cysts. Breast tissue is normally lumpy, so often you encounter a "pebbly" texture.
If cysts appear on the mammogram, they can change the image from year to year. The radiologist reading your mammogram may recommend an ultrasound to evaluate a nodule.
An ultrasound is the best way to evaluate breast cysts because it is so very sensitive to fluid in the tissues. Ultrasound can:
Often find many more cysts what you are able to feel
Tell if the lumps felt are cysts or solid or just normal breast tissue
Detects cysts that are even smaller than 1/8 inch
Can show the lining of the cyst and its contents
Simple or Complex
In many cases, the ultrasound is able to give a clear picture of the lining of the cyst and its contents. If these meet requirements for a simple cyst, it is almost certain to be unrelated to cancer. No further action is needed for simple cysts that are not causing issues.
If the lining is irregular, or there is debris in the cyst, the ultrasound is not sufficient to evaluate the cyst. The fluid needs to be aspirated (drawn out with a needle) and examined under a microscope. Even in this situation, the vast majority of complex cysts will be unrelated to cancer. Your breast care team may recommend treatment with breast cyst aspiration if:
- The fluid inside the cyst needs to be evaluated
- The cyst is causing discomfort and/or anxiety
Related Locations
Upholding high standards for comprehensive breast care
ACS accredits NMMC’s breast care program
Meets national standards for comprehensive, patient-centered, multidisciplinary care.
ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
NMMC Breast Care Center designated comprehensive center by American College of Radiology
Mammography
Accredited by the American College of Radiology in mammography
Breast Ultrasound
Accredited by the American College of Radiology in breast ultrasound
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Accredited by the American College of Radiology in stereotactic breast biopsy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Accredited in MRI from American College of Radiology includes breast MRI
Patient Stories
Mammograms Are Not Optional
Paige McFall was determined to beat her aggressive breast cancer.
‘I Thought What I Found Would Go Away, But it Didn’t'
Like many busy women, Debbie Cochran put off getting her annual mammogram.
‘I Was Fortunate to Catch it as Early as We Did’
If Anita Monroe had put off her mammogram, her prognosis would not be so positive.
‘If Something Is Not Right, Get Checked’
Shirlette Judon celebrating 16 years as breast cancer survivor
Mammograms Are Not Optional
Paige McFall was determined to beat her aggressive breast cancer.
‘I Thought What I Found Would Go Away, But it Didn’t'
Like many busy women, Debbie Cochran put off getting her annual mammogram.
‘I Was Fortunate to Catch it as Early as We Did’
If Anita Monroe had put off her mammogram, her prognosis would not be so positive.
‘If Something Is Not Right, Get Checked’
Shirlette Judon celebrating 16 years as breast cancer survivor
Related Resources
View AllBreast cancer screening matters. Annual screening with mammography is recommended starting at age 40 for those at average risk.
Breast Density
Breast density impacts the effectiveness for mammography and the risk of breast cancer. Supplemental screening with automated ultrasound (ABUS) along with mammography improves breast cancer detection rate.
Breast Density
Breast density impacts the effectiveness for mammography and the risk of breast cancer. Supplemental screening with automated ultrasound (ABUS) along with mammography improves breast cancer detection rate.