Hi:
I get Cysts in my breasts all the time...however it never reduces the fear. This is how my Dr explained it to me...at least as best as I can remember.
Simple cysts are more round or regular in shape and may or may not have fluid in them. They are easily spotted in a sonogram. These are more like a pimple and usually require no attention. They should go away on their own. More discussion or intervention should occur if they do not resolve or if they continue to grow. These can occur in one or both breasts at the same time.
Complex cysts are irregular in shape and also may or may not have fluid in them. These are the ones they worry about, as they can not readily discern if they are benign or malignant. They usually do a needle biopsy and aspiration of these unless they are large or very close to the lymph then they might gto a lumpectomy. Biopsy and aspiration is usually done in a breast surgeon's or oncologists office. They will biposy (send off to lab) and aspirate (remove excess fluid) all at the same time. Lump exctomy's are done in the hospital and may require both oncologist and plastic surgeon. These hardly ever appear in both breasts at the same time.
From Imagins for womens health:
"Breast cysts, tiny accumulations of fluid, are the most common cause of benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps in women between age 30 and 50. Simple cysts are typically round or oval and have smooth edges. Complex cysts can be filled with debris and may sometimes require aspiration to confirm that they are indeed benign cysts. Both single and multiple cysts are very common. The exact causes of cysts are not known, but they do tend to change with hormonal variations, either during normal menstrual cycles or from post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy.
When examining a breast abnormality to determine whether it is a cyst (or multiple cysts), the radiologist will study the quantity, size, and internal characteristics of the abnormality. Cysts do not become cancer or increase the risk of cancer. Most of the time, cysts may be left alone, but sometimes a physician may drain them with a small needle using ultrasound guidance. This procedure is called cyst aspiration. "
I have had both kinds, and no matter what they say its very scary. I have had biopsies/aspiration only once...which was benign. My Dr said thus the term fibrocystic breasts. I can get fibroids and cycts. I do self exams every month and see the gyno 2 times a year. I have mamo and sonogram every year...
I have survived ovarian cancer and hae a strong history for breast cancer...all of this increases my risk.
Each person is different, but I hope you do self exams...if not...please start...
All of my friends here on the board...PLEASE DO SELF EXAMS...they are easy to do, they only take 12 minutes and can be done in the shower...I do them on the 12th of every month...just easier to remember.
Here's how
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp
Hope this helped explain things...Feel free to PM me if you want.
Love Stephanie
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/self_exam/index.jsp?gclid=COKczOKjs5MCFQwrswod4n34ng
