Breast Cysts and Fibrocystic disease

Fibrocystic breast disease, commonly called fibrocystic breasts or fibrocystic change, is a benign (noncancerous) condition in which a woman develops fluid-filled sacs, which develop in the breast tissue, are called breast cysts.
The condition is so common that more than half of women will develop fibrocystic breast disease at some point in their lives.

• Present after 35 years of age to premenopausal age
• Complains of painful lumps in breasts especially increases before periods usually on both sides
• May be simple or complex

Treatment

Most cysts go away by themselves and are nothing to worry about.

If the cyst is large or causing discomfort, your specialist may draw off the fluid using a fine needle and syringe. Sometimes this is done using ultrasound to help find the cyst. The fluid drawn off from the cyst can vary in colour and range from clear to very dark. It will only be sent to a laboratory for testing if the fluid is bloodstained.

• Once the fluid has been drawn off, the cyst usually disappears
• Breast cysts can come back, or you may develop new cysts
• Medication can be given for 3-6 months
• Surgery would be considered if cyst is complex or infected