What is a Cyst?
Tumors (masses) in the breast are fundamentally classified into two types based on their internal structure: cystic tumors and solid tumors. Cystic tumors are commonly referred to simply as cysts. The main characteristic of cystic tumors, or cysts, is that they contain fluid material inside. In short, cysts are benign lesions filled with fluid.
Breast cysts are very rarely malignant and do not transform into cancer. Due to various hormonal and environmental changes, these cysts can grow, shrink, increase in number, or decrease over time. The growth or increase in number of these cysts does not indicate malignancy, nor does their shrinkage or decrease indicate improvement. These changes are similar to fluctuations in body weight.
Breast cysts are found in approximately fifty percent of women and are not a cause for concern. They do not increase the risk of cancer. However, cysts that grow to a palpable size may cause anxiety or pain, and in such cases, they can be simply drained with a needle if necessary.
