Small cyst on chest. Epidermoid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

26.01.202316.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are epidermoid cysts. How do epidermoid cysts form. What are the symptoms of epidermoid cysts. How are epidermoid cysts diagnosed. What treatment options are available for epidermoid cysts. Can epidermoid cysts be prevented. When should you see a doctor for an epidermoid cyst.

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Understanding Epidermoid Cysts: A Comprehensive Overview

Epidermoid cysts are small, benign growths that develop beneath the skin’s surface. These noncancerous lumps, while typically harmless, can sometimes cause discomfort or concern for those who develop them. To better understand this common skin condition, let’s explore its characteristics, causes, and management options.

What Are Epidermoid Cysts?

Epidermoid cysts are closed sacs filled with keratin, a protein naturally produced by skin cells. These cysts can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, neck, back, and genital area. They vary in size, ranging from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter, and are usually painless unless infected or inflamed.

Identifying Epidermoid Cysts

How can you recognize an epidermoid cyst? These cysts typically present as small, round bumps under the skin. The overlying skin may appear normal or slightly discolored, often with a yellowish or whitish tinge. In some cases, you might notice a small, dark plug on the surface of the cyst, which is actually a keratin-filled pore.

The Root Causes of Epidermoid Cyst Formation

Understanding the underlying causes of epidermoid cysts can help in their prevention and management. Let’s delve into the factors that contribute to their development.

Keratin Buildup: The Primary Culprit

The main cause of epidermoid cysts is the accumulation of keratin beneath the skin. This occurs when the protein becomes trapped due to damage to the skin or hair follicles. But what triggers this process?

Skin trauma: Injuries or wounds to the skin can disrupt normal cell growth patterns.
Blocked hair follicles: When hair follicles become clogged, it can lead to cyst formation.
Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may be more prone to developing cysts due to their genetic makeup.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels can sometimes contribute to cyst development.

The Role of Genetics in Cyst Formation

In some cases, the tendency to develop multiple epidermoid cysts may be linked to genetic disorders. Gardner syndrome, for instance, is a rare condition that can cause numerous cysts to form along with other health issues. If you notice a pattern of multiple cysts developing, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying genetic factors.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Epidermoid Cysts

While epidermoid cysts are often asymptomatic, they can sometimes cause discomfort or concern. Being aware of the potential symptoms can help you determine when medical attention might be necessary.

Common Signs and Symptoms

What should you look out for if you suspect you have an epidermoid cyst? Here are some typical signs:

A small, round bump under the skin
Slow growth over time
A central blackhead or dark pore
Occasional discharge of thick, cheese-like material
Redness or tenderness if the cyst becomes inflamed

When Symptoms Indicate a Problem

In most cases, epidermoid cysts remain harmless. However, certain symptoms may indicate that the cyst has become infected or inflamed, requiring medical attention:

Sudden increase in size
Severe pain or tenderness
Redness and warmth around the cyst
Pus drainage or foul odor
Fever or general malaise

Diagnosing Epidermoid Cysts: What to Expect

If you’re concerned about a skin growth, seeking a proper diagnosis is crucial. Understanding the diagnostic process can help alleviate anxiety and prepare you for your healthcare visit.

The Diagnostic Process

How do healthcare providers diagnose epidermoid cysts? The process typically involves the following steps:

Physical examination: Your doctor will visually inspect and palpate the cyst.
Medical history: You’ll be asked about the cyst’s duration, any changes, and your overall health.
Ultrasound imaging: In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Biopsy: Rarely, a small sample of the cyst may be taken for laboratory analysis.

Differential Diagnosis

To ensure accurate diagnosis, healthcare providers must rule out other conditions that may mimic epidermoid cysts. These may include:

Lipomas (benign fatty tumors)
Pilar cysts (cysts that form from hair follicles)
Dermatofibromas (benign skin growths)
Skin cancer (in rare cases)

Treatment Options for Epidermoid Cysts

While many epidermoid cysts don’t require treatment, various options are available for those that cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Let’s explore the range of treatments, from conservative approaches to surgical interventions.

Conservative Management

For asymptomatic cysts, a wait-and-see approach is often recommended. However, if the cyst becomes inflamed or infected, conservative treatments may include:

Warm compresses to reduce inflammation
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Topical antibiotics for minor infections

Medical Interventions

When conservative measures aren’t sufficient, medical treatments may be necessary:

Oral antibiotics for more severe infections
Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
Incision and drainage for temporary relief (though the cyst may recur)

Surgical Removal

For permanent resolution, surgical excision is the most effective option. This procedure involves:

Local anesthesia to numb the area
Careful removal of the entire cyst, including its wall
Closure of the incision with sutures
Minimal scarring in most cases

Preventing Epidermoid Cysts: Proactive Measures

While it’s not always possible to prevent epidermoid cysts, certain strategies may help reduce your risk of developing them. By understanding potential risk factors and taking preventive steps, you can maintain healthier skin.

Skin Care Best Practices

Proper skin care plays a crucial role in minimizing the likelihood of cyst formation. Consider incorporating these habits into your routine:

Gentle cleansing to avoid irritating the skin
Regular exfoliation to prevent pore blockage
Moisturizing to maintain skin health
Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices can impact your skin’s health and susceptibility to cysts:

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
Staying hydrated to support skin function
Managing stress, which can affect hormone levels and skin health
Avoiding tight-fitting clothing that may irritate the skin

When to Seek Medical Attention for Epidermoid Cysts

While most epidermoid cysts are harmless, certain situations warrant professional medical evaluation. Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.

Red Flags to Watch For

Consider seeking medical attention if you notice any of the following:

Rapid growth or change in the cyst’s appearance
Persistent pain or tenderness
Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus drainage
Interference with daily activities due to the cyst’s location
Cosmetic concerns that affect your self-esteem

Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider

When seeking treatment for an epidermoid cyst, you have several options:

Primary care physician: For initial evaluation and conservative management
Dermatologist: Specializes in skin conditions and can perform advanced treatments
Plastic surgeon: May be consulted for cysts in cosmetically sensitive areas

By understanding epidermoid cysts, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can make informed decisions about your skin health. Remember that while these cysts are typically benign, any concerning changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. With proper care and attention, epidermoid cysts can be effectively managed, allowing you to maintain healthy, comfortable skin.

Epidermoid Cyst: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

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Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M. D. — By Amber Erickson Gabbey — Updated on February 4, 2020

Epidermoid cysts are small, noncancerous lumps that develop under the skin. They are typically painless and do not lead to complications.

Epidermoid cysts are often found on the head, neck, back, or genitals. They range in size from very small (millimeters) to inches across. They look like a small bump, and the overlying skin can be skin-colored, whitish, or yellowish in color.

They’re filled with cheesy-like, white keratin debris. They’re typically painless. Although, they can become inflamed and irritated. They don’t require removal unless bothersome or the diagnosis is in question.

Buildup of trapped keratin usually causes epidermoid cysts. Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in skin cells. Cysts develop when the protein is trapped below the skin because of disruption to the skin or to a hair follicle.

These cysts may develop for a number of reasons, but trauma to the skin is typically thought to be the main cause. When numerous, an underlying genetic disorder such as Gardner syndrome may be the cause.

To diagnose epidermoid cysts, your healthcare provider will examine the bump and surrounding skin, as well as request your medical history. They’ll ask for details on how long the bump has been present and whether it has changed over time.

Healthcare providers can usually diagnose an epidermoid cyst by examination only, but sometimes an ultrasound or a referral to a dermatologist is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Epidermoid cysts typically don’t go away completely on their own, although they may shrink to an unnoticeable size and then grow again. Thus, a dermatologist’s surgical intervention is needed to resolve the condition.

Since epidermoid cysts aren’t dangerous, they don’t pose a health risk. Many are never treated.

If the cyst becomes red, swollen, or painful, changes in size or character, or becomes infected, treatment may be desired. In such cases, treatment options typically include antibiotics. Sometimes the cyst may also be drained or injected with a steroid solution.

If you want complete resolution of the cyst, you’ll typically need to have it surgically removed. Usually, this is delayed to a later date if the cyst is currently inflamed.

In almost all cases, epidermoid cysts cause no long-term problems, although they can be associated with genetic diseases that may have medical consequences.

Squeezing out the contents of the cyst on your own can lead to inflammation and/or infection, so it’s best to leave the cyst alone. It can also lead to scarring around the cyst, which can make removal very difficult and result in larger surgical scars.

Once a cyst is drained, it’s very possible that the cyst will grow back. If there’s any significant change in a cyst, it’s recommended that you see your healthcare provider.

Last medically reviewed on February 4, 2020

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Hoang VT, et al. (2019). Overview of epidermoid cyst. DOI:
10.1016/j.ejro.2019.08.003
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Epidermoid cysts (sebaceous cysts).
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sebaceous-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20352701
Oakley A. (2016). Cutaneous cysts and pseudocysts.
dermnetnz.org/topics/cutaneous-cysts-and-pseudocysts/
Wollina U, et al. (2018). Epidermoid cysts: A wide spectrum of clinical presentation and successful treatment by surgery: A retrospective 10-year analysis and literature review. DOI:
10.3889/oamjms.2018.027

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Feb 4, 2020

Written By

Amber Erickson Gabbey

Edited By

Phil Riches

Medically Reviewed By

Owen Kramer, MD

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Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M. D. — By Amber Erickson Gabbey — Updated on February 4, 2020

Sebaceous Cyst: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Lydia Krause — Updated on February 7, 2023

A sebaceous cyst is typically benign. But you may choose to have a doctor remove it for cosmetic reasons.

Sebaceous cysts are common, noncancerous cysts of the skin. Cysts are atypical growths in your body that may contain liquid or semiliquid material.

Sebaceous cysts are mostly found on your face, neck, or torso. They grow slowly and aren’t life threatening, but they may become uncomfortable if they go unchecked.

Doctors usually diagnose a cyst with only a physical examination and your medical history.

In some cases, a cyst will be examined more thoroughly for signs of cancer.

Share on PinterestSebaceous Cyst at the upper back. Casa nayafana/Shutterstock

Sebaceous cysts form out of your sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces the oil (called sebum) that coats your hair and skin.

Cysts can develop if the gland or its duct (the passage from which the oil is able to leave) becomes damaged or blocked. This usually occurs due to trauma to the area.

The trauma may be a scratch, a surgical wound, or a skin condition, such as acne. Sebaceous cysts grow slowly, so the trauma may have occurred weeks or months before you notice the cyst.

Other causes of a sebaceous cyst may include:

misshapen or deformed ducts
damage to the cells during surgery
genetic conditions, such as Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome

Small cysts are typically not painful. Large cysts can range from uncomfortable to considerably painful. Large cysts on the face and neck may cause pressure and pain.

This type of cyst is typically filled with white flakes of keratin, which is also a key element that makes up your skin and nails. Most cysts are soft to the touch.

Areas on the body where cysts are usually found include:

scalp
face
neck
back

A sebaceous cyst is considered atypical — and possibly cancerous — if it has the following characteristics:

a diameter that’s larger than 5 centimeters
a fast rate of reoccurrence after being removed
signs of infection, such as redness, pain, or pus drainage

Your doctor can treat a cyst by draining it or by surgically removing it. Usually, cysts are removed. This doesn’t mean they’re dangerous — it may be for cosmetic reasons.

Since most cysts aren’t harmful to your health, your doctor will allow you to choose the treatment option that works for you.

It’s important to remember that without surgical removal, your cyst will usually come back. The best treatment to ensure complete removal is surgery. However, some people may decide against surgery because it can cause scarring.

Your doctor may use one of the following methods to remove your cyst:

Conventional wide excision. This completely removes a cyst but can leave a long scar.
Minimal excision. A method that causes minimal scarring but carries a risk that the cyst will return.
Laser with punch biopsy excision. This uses a laser to make a small hole to drain the cyst of its contents (the outer walls of the cyst are removed about a month later).

After your cyst is removed, your doctor may give you an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. You should use this until the healing process is complete. You may also be given a scar cream to reduce the appearance of any surgical scars.

Doctors often diagnose a sebaceous cyst after a simple physical examination. If your cyst is atypical, your doctor may order additional tests to rule out possible cancers. You may also need these tests if you wish to have the cyst surgically removed.

Common tests used for a sebaceous cyst include:

CT scans, which help your doctor spot atypical characteristics and find the best route for surgery
ultrasounds, which identify the contents of the cyst
punch biopsy, which involves removal of a small amount of tissue from the cyst to be examined in a laboratory for signs of cancer

Sebaceous cysts are generally not cancerous. Cysts left untreated can become very large and may eventually require surgical removal if they become uncomfortable.

If you have a complete surgical removal, the cyst will most likely not return in the future.

In rare cases, the removal site may become infected. Contact your doctor if your skin shows any signs of infection, such as redness and pain, or if you develop a fever. Most infections will go away with antibiotics, but some can be deadly if untreated.

Last medically reviewed on December 6, 2021

How we reviewed this article:

Hoover E, et al. (2020). Physiology, sebaceous glands.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499819/
Zito PM, et al. (2021). Epidermoid cyst.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499974/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Feb 7, 2023

Written By

Lydia Krause

Edited By

Shannon Ullman

Copy Edited By

Helena Hoayun

Dec 6, 2021

Medically Reviewed By

Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Lydia Krause — Updated on February 7, 2023

Breast cyst: causes, symptoms, treatment
The disease initially proceeds almost asymptomatically. After some time, unpleasant sensations appear – burning, itching, slight pain and seals in the structure of the chest. Symptoms are aggravated by menstruation.

Breast cyst most often occurs with hormonal disorders in women. The disease most often occurs in women aged 35 to 50 years (before menopause), but can occur at any age.

There is a small chance of malignancy of the cystic formation.

What is a breast cyst

A cavity bounded by a capsule and filled with liquid contents is called a cyst. If these pathological structures are located in the tissues of the mammary glands – these are cysts of the mammary glands .

Such a capsule is formed due to the expansion of the lactiferous duct of the gland, which is stretched and gradually filled with fluid. The duct then closes and forms a capsule. At first, there is no discomfort, and in the early stages the disease goes unnoticed.

As the cyst grows, unpleasant and painful sensations appear. The contents of the cyst may become inflamed, making the pain intense. Before and during menstruation, discomfort intensifies and can become quite painful. The neoplasm can be round, oval or more complex in shape. Its size ranges from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Large cystic formations can change the breast to a visually noticeable deformation.

Education can be single or multiple (group).

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Causes of breast cysts

Usually the cause of the cyst is neglected mastopathy and serious endocrine disorders. The main factors causing the disease are:

a strong deviation from the norm of the hormonal background of a woman, an excess of estrogens;
frequent exposure to stress;
heredity;
pregnancy and childbirth;
not breastfeeding;
breastfeeding a child for more than a year;
physical damage (injury) of the chest;
exceeding the duration of the use of hormonal contraceptives or not observing the required pauses when taking them;
abortions, especially numerous;
surgical interventions on the chest;
excessive exposure to the sun and an overdose of ultraviolet rays in solariums;
late pregnancies;
childlessness;
use of “interrupted intercourse” as a means of contraception;
overweight (obesity) or breast hypertrophy;
malnutrition, violation of fat metabolism, leading to hormonal disruptions;
intoxication of the body in hazardous industries;
bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse or unnatural foods.

Also, pathology can accompany a number of the following diseases:

diabetes mellitus;
liver disease, biliary disorders;
thyroid dysfunction;
ovarian diseases leading to hormonal disorders;
infections of the genitourinary system;
diseases of the thoracic spine, thoracic scoliosis.

The causes of pathology are really diverse. If risk factors are present, it is necessary to monitor the condition of your mammary glands. It is desirable to exclude from life the causes of the appearance of this disease. Many of them are eliminated quite easily – for example, bad habits and malnutrition, leading to obesity.

Classification of cystic masses

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By location and structure, cysts are classified into the following types:

The structure of education is divided into 2 forms:

Plain . Consists of a smooth vesicular cystic capsule with fluid contents , originates from ducts in the mammary glands . Its structure is soft and elastic, this form can go unnoticed for a long time.
Atypical. Hollow capsule from the walls of which calcified outgrowths “grow” into the cavity. This type of cyst quickly becomes inflamed, has a rigid structure and causes discomfort.

By size can be divided into 2 groups:

Microcysts. The size is a few millimeters. Cannot be detected by palpation.
Macrocysts. The size exceeds 1 cm (10 mm) and can reach up to 5 cm (50 mm). Easily detected by probing even with self-diagnosis.

By the number of units of cyst formation, it happens:

Solitary. Solitary formation, usually large. When reaching sizes of more than 10 mm, it can cause pain.
Multiple . Consists of several small capsules located nearby. It is usually well palpable, as it occupies a large volume.
Multi-chamber. Occurs with polycystosis, when a group of adjacent formations unites into one.

By location in tissues:

Flow through. Formed by hollow outgrowths in the lactiferous ducts of the gland. Occurs during menopause in women 40-50 years old.
Fat. Formed in the body of the gland due to blockage of the sebaceous duct.

After classifying the cyst, the doctor determines the most appropriate treatment.

Breast cyst symptoms

At the initial stage of development, this benign neoplasm may not manifest itself at all, and is diagnosed by chance on ultrasound. With its further development, the following symptoms may appear:

mammary glands become painful when touched, the symptom is especially pronounced during menstruation;
on palpation, you can feel a smooth formation that moves in the body of the gland;
roughness of the skin of the nipples;
discharge from the nipples of a white, yellow liquid or pus;
a significant increase in breast size before menstruation and a strong decrease after it;
deformation of the organ, with large formations, the change in the shape of the breast is noticeable visually;
enlarged axillary lymph nodes and pain in the axillary region;
pain when squeezing the chest;
pain, burning or itching can be observed without mechanical action on the chest;
with an inflamed cyst, an increase in temperature is possible.

If a woman discovers something similar in herself, she should urgently consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Breast cyst diagnostics

All studies of the mammary glands are best done at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. At this time, female hormones are at a minimum, so there is no too sharp pain, as before and during menstruation.

There are many methods for diagnosing the condition of the mammary glands:

Self-diagnosis. A woman independently feels her mammary glands and determines the presence of places with pain when you press them. Also reveals shaped hard or painful breast structures. Feeling should be gentle so as not to damage the delicate structure of the mammary gland. This type of self-examination is desirable to conduct regularly, at least once a month. If there are painful sensations or formed structures, you should immediately consult a doctor. If nothing is found, you should still check the condition of the mammary glands with a specialist at least once a year. Small cysts cannot be found by palpation.
Medical examination of the breast helps to determine the presence of neoplasms. Unfortunately, the method does not make it possible to determine the type of formation. The detection of any solid structures in the gland requires more accurate examinations using modern equipment.
Mammography. X-ray examination of the chest. Determines the shape, size, localization and type of pathological structures of the gland. It is recommended that all women over 45 have a mammogram once a year. This method helps to identify in the early stages many diseases that have not yet manifested themselves as symptoms. Regular mammograms are called screenings. If suspicious structures are identified, a second examination may be prescribed – this is a diagnostic mammogram. It is done for a more detailed and scrupulous examination.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound). Allows you to determine the shape, size, structure and internal structure of all neoplasms, including cysts. Usually, ultrasound also determines the elasticity of tissues (elastography). When examining a cyst, it is considered one of the best methods. It has a high diagnostic accuracy and makes it possible to examine the internal structure of the cyst body.
Magnetic resonance imaging. Shows the structure of the cyst and parietal tissues. It is prescribed if mammography was not enough for a more complete study of the structure of the gland and its pathologies.
Fine-needle aspiration (puncture) of the contents of the cyst. Using an ultrasound machine, the doctor pierces the cyst with a thin needle and extracts fluid from it, which will be sent for additional research. This method is also used to treat cysts by extracting fluid from the formation cavity.
Cytological analysis. Biological material is taken from the formation, obtained by fine-needle puncture from the cyst, then examined by microscopic cytological methods.
Study of hormonal balance. It is necessary to identify the causes of the disease.

When visiting a mammologist for diagnostic purposes, it is necessary to tell in detail:

what symptoms are observed and for how long;
what preparations, including contraceptives and vitamins, are used;
whether there are reasons for stress;
whether the menstrual cycle is regular;
whether the cyst was found earlier.

Complications of breast cyst

Pathogenic microorganisms can get into the cyst cavity, filled with liquid, , which often leads to inflammation. This is a very common complication.

Without treatment, an inflamed cyst can turn into an abscess. This can lead to rupture of the cyst and infection of the body. The consequences of such complications are very serious, up to sepsis.

It is possible that the cyst will transform from a benign neoplasm to a malignant one. Although the probability is small, it should not be neglected.

There is another danger – a large number of cystic formations can interfere with the detection of malignant tumors, if any.

Breast cyst treatment

There is a false opinion – “it does not hurt, so it is not necessary to treat.” Or “it will resolve itself.” However, cases of self-healing are so rare that you should not rely on them. You should also forget about the complications described above. Therefore, when a cyst is detected, treatment should be started immediately.

With a small size of the cyst and the absence of inflammation, conservative methods of treatment can be limited.

These methods include:

Medication. A number of drugs are used to eliminate the underlying causes of the disease. Hormonal drugs eliminate the imbalance of the endocrine system. Fortifying and vitamin complexes fix the result. With the background presence of stress, sedatives are used.
Aspiration. With the help of a thin needle, liquid is drawn out of the cavity. The cavity can be filled with a therapeutic composition, this is one of the methods of treatment.

If the disease does not respond to conservative methods of treatment, has progressed into dangerous forms or complications have arisen, surgical methods are used:

Laparoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive intervention using a laparoscope, which makes a puncture in the mammary glands. It is used if the size of the cyst is small.
Surgical removal of the mass. It is done with a tissue incision. It is used if the size of the neoplasm is large. During the operation, the portion of the gland affected by the cyst can be removed.
Surgical removal of the mammary gland. It is used if almost the entire gland is affected by polycystic disease. After that, reconstructive breast surgery is performed.

Since the operated organ is outside, the operation is not difficult. Does not require a long recovery period after it. Modern surgical technique presents an opportunity to minimize postoperative scarring. After the punctures and incisions have healed, they become little or not noticeable at all.

The following treatment methods should be added here, used in conjunction with conservative and surgical methods:

Diet therapy. It will help to get rid of the risk of re-formation of the cyst. Normalizing nutrition eliminates the risk of obesity and estrogen hypersecretion.
Physical education. Moderate physical activity will restore metabolism. This greatly reduces the risk of relapse.
Psychotherapy. If there is constant stress in a woman’s life, there is a possibility of a return of the disease. It is necessary to eliminate stress and restore the psycho-emotional state of the patient.

By diagnosing problems in the early stages, surgery can be avoided. Compliance with simple rules of prevention will prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Breast cyst prophylaxis

In fact, the prevention of breast cysts can be described in one phrase – a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some simple recommendations, following which you can avoid this unpleasant disease or its recurrence:

avoid stress;
have a good rest;
wear a quality bra that gently supports your breasts;
eat healthy food, avoid obesity;
keep physically active, exercise;
do not smoke;
do not abuse alcohol;
have sex with a regular partner;
correctly use hormonal contraception;
realize your childbearing function;
avoid abortion;
do not abuse sunbathing, solariums;
treat gynecological diseases in time;
regularly visit a gynecologist and mammologist, especially after 45 years.

Follow these rules and your breasts will be healthy!

How does a cyst appear in the breast

The mammary gland consists of radially arranged lobes surrounded by fibrous and glandular tissue. Each lobe is represented by glandular lobules connected by ducts. Outside the period of lactation, the lobules are inactive, the ducts are not prepared for the withdrawal of fluid. Under the influence of adverse factors, fluid production begins in the lobules, the ducts become clogged, a cyst appears in the mammary gland – a cavity filled with fluid.

Causes

Since the gland is a target organ for sex hormones, an increase in the level of estrogen or
increased sensitivity of tissues to the hormone. Factors that can lead to hyperestrogenism are:

endocrine and metabolic disorders;
refusal to breastfeed, abortion, late menopause, etc.;
hormonal imbalance due to stress, infections, head or spine injuries, etc.

Also, one of the causes of breast cysts can be chest trauma, mastitis, constant compression, which leads to impaired patency of the ducts. The risk group includes patients with endometrial diseases, hormonal disorders, as well as women over 45 years of age.

Symptoms

With a small cyst in the breast, there are usually no symptoms. But larger formations compress the nerve structures, pain, discomfort, a feeling of heaviness appear, and engorgement of the gland is possible. Often the symptoms become more intense in the second half of the cycle and disappear after menstruation. Some women have a slight discharge from the nipple – bloody or serous.

Diagnostics

The diagnostic methods that exist today make it possible to detect even small-sized formations that cannot be probed on their own. These include:

mammography – screening x-ray examination of the breast; allows you to identify a number of diseases, including a breast cyst, when symptoms are still absent;
Ultrasound – makes it possible to determine the structure of the formation, confirm the presence of fluid in the cavity;
aspiration puncture – performed under ultrasound guidance, during the procedure, the contents of the cyst are removed, which is then sent for cytological examination.

A hormonal examination may also be prescribed, the purpose of which is to identify the cause of the disease.

Treatment

In the absence of symptoms, dynamic observation is possible. However, if any unpleasant sensations appear, with an increase in the size of the cyst, treatment is prescribed, which can be both conservative and surgical.

When prescribing drug therapy, the choice of drugs depends on the cause of the disease. Hormonal, anti-inflammatory, sedatives, decongestants, general strengthening vitamin complexes – at present, there are many modern drugs whose effectiveness has been proven.
Aspiration is not only a diagnostic, but also a therapeutic procedure aimed at removing the contents of the cyst. However, with this method of treatment of breast cysts, relapses are not uncommon. To prevent them, hormonal drugs may be prescribed.
Surgical removal of a cyst in the mammary gland is indicated in cases where conservative therapy is ineffective, the cyst has reached a large size, or complications have appeared.

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Breast cyst: causes, symptoms, treatment The disease initially proceeds almost asymptomatically. After some time, unpleasant sensations appear – burning, itching, slight pain and seals in the structure of the chest. Symptoms are aggravated by menstruation.

What is a breast cyst

Causes of breast cysts

Classification of cystic masses

Breast cyst symptoms

Breast cyst diagnostics

Complications of breast cyst

Breast cyst treatment

Breast cyst prophylaxis

Breast cyst

How does a cyst appear in the breast

Causes

Symptoms

Diagnostics

Treatment

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Breast cyst: causes, symptoms, treatment
The disease initially proceeds almost asymptomatically. After some time, unpleasant sensations appear – burning, itching, slight pain and seals in the structure of the chest. Symptoms are aggravated by menstruation.