In our lives, besides taking care of our health in various aspects, self-examination of our bodies is equally important because sometimes abnormalities may occur silently without us realizing it. This is especially true for breasts, which should be self-examined regularly every month to detect any abnormalities, particularly for women, as cysts or lumps in the breast can occur to you!
“Breast Cysts and Lumps” More Than Just a Difference
Dr. Wiphawee Sanpsitwong, a head, neck, and breast surgeon at the Head, Neck, and Breast Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital, provided information that “breast cysts and lumps” are common problems. However, many people still misunderstand cysts and lumps, sometimes thinking they are the same issue. In reality, they are different but share the same reason patients visit doctors, which is the presence of a palpable lump in the breast area. Breast lumps are commonly found in three types: cysts, benign lumps, and malignant lumps which are breast cancer.
Breast cysts or breast fluid-filled sacs are fluid-filled sacs surrounded by milk gland cells and contain fluid inside. Breast cysts are considered a normal change in the breast and are not an early sign of cancer. They do not transform into breast cancer. Patients with breast cysts often have a history of cysts enlarging and shrinking according to their menstrual cycle and can be found in multiple locations. Initial diagnosis can be made through history taking and physical examination.
Breast lumps are masses formed by the aggregation of milk gland cells and connective tissue in the breast. There are two types of lumps: benign lumps, which do not develop into cancer and have clear boundaries that doctors can initially identify through breast palpation; and malignant lumps, which tend to be firmer than benign lumps, have unclear boundaries, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as skin dimpling, nipple retraction, and swollen lymph nodes.
Besides physical examination and history taking by the doctor, additional tests are required to confirm the type of lump clearly through diagnostic imaging such as digital mammography and ultrasound, which can help differentiate the types of lumps more precisely. If the doctor finds abnormalities after detailed evaluation, a biopsy may be necessary.
“Normally, people who find lumps may or may not visit a doctor because they feel no abnormalities. The doctor wants everyone to understand one thing: “Cancer” may present as a lump without pain. Over 90% of breast cancer patients have no pain. Therefore, whenever a lump is found, even if it is painless or seems normal, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis.”
Dr. Wiphawee further explained that although the exact cause of breast cysts and lumps is still unknown, generally, benign lumps are more common in younger people aged 20-30 years, while breast cysts are more common in people aged 30-40 years. For older individuals, more attention should be given to the possibility of cancer.
Care Guidelines When Having Breast Cysts or Fluid-Filled Breast Sacs
For the care of “breast cysts or fluid-filled breast sacs”, monitoring changes and draining the cyst may be necessary if the patient experiences significant symptoms such as pain due to a large amount of fluid accumulation. Drainage helps relieve symptoms. Generally, breast cysts do not require surgical removal. For treatment of “benign breast lumps”, if ultrasound shows a small size and the lump details are not concerning, and the patient has no symptoms affecting daily life or anxiety about the lump, monitoring with ultrasound follow-up may be sufficient without surgery. However, if the lump is large, the patient is very worried, or there is pain, surgery may be considered. Most treatments have good outcomes, with a low chance of recurrence or new lumps, Dr. Wiphawee said.
“Self-care in cases of breast cysts and lumps has no special restrictions or specific practices. Only follow-up appointments are necessary, and it is recommended to perform regular monthly breast self-examinations to observe any changes in the lump before visiting the doctor. For the general public, simple self-care includes palpating both breasts at least once a month, 7-10 days after the end of the menstrual period. If abnormalities are found, promptly see a doctor. For women over 40 years old, besides self-examination, breast cancer screening with digital mammography and breast ultrasound, along with regular consultations with a breast specialist annually, is recommended.”
