Small Cyst on Chest: Epidermoid Cysts – Symptoms, Causes, and More

27.01.202316.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the causes of small cysts on the chest? How do epidermoid cysts develop. What are the symptoms and types of cysts. How are cysts treated and prevented?

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Types of Cysts and Their Characteristics

Cysts are sac-like pockets of tissue that can develop in various parts of the body. They are commonly filled with fluid, air, or other substances. While most cysts are benign or noncancerous, they may still require treatment if they cause complications. There are many different types of cysts, each with their own unique characteristics:

Epidermoid Cysts

Epidermoid cysts are small, benign bumps filled with keratin, a protein essential for skin, hair, and nails. These cysts occur when something blocks the hair follicles, causing skin cells to build up underneath. They typically appear as skin-colored, tan, or yellowish bumps and can develop on the face, neck, or torso.

Sebaceous Cysts

Sebaceous cysts are less common than epidermoid cysts and are filled with sebum, the oil produced by sebaceous glands in the skin and hair follicles. They often form within these glands, commonly appearing on the face, neck, or torso.

Breast Cysts

Benign breast cysts can develop when fluid collects near the breast glands. While they are noncancerous, breast lumps can have various causes, so it’s important to have any new or changing lumps examined by a healthcare professional.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are round, gel-filled lumps that typically appear along tendons or joints, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. They are often caused by injury, trauma, or overuse, though the exact cause is often unknown.

Causes and Risk Factors of Cysts

Cysts can form for a variety of reasons, including:

Injury or trauma to the area
Infection
Blockage of a duct or gland
Inherited conditions, like Gardner syndrome

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing certain types of cysts, such as:

Age: Ovarian cysts are more common in women of menstrual age, while pilonidal cysts typically form after puberty.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones can contribute to the development of cysts, particularly in the breast and ovaries.
Repetitive motion: Activities that involve repetitive movements, like typing or sports, can lead to the formation of ganglion cysts.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cysts

The symptoms of cysts can vary depending on the type and location. Some common symptoms include:

Visible lump or bump under the skin
Pain or discomfort in the affected area
Redness, swelling, or inflammation
Discharge of fluid or pus

To diagnose a cyst, a healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to get a better look at the cyst and determine its type and location.

Treatment and Management of Cysts

The treatment for a cyst depends on various factors, including the type, location, and whether it is causing any complications. Some common treatment options include:

Watchful waiting: For small, asymptomatic cysts, a healthcare provider may recommend simply monitoring the cyst for any changes or signs of complications.
Aspiration: A healthcare provider can use a needle to remove the fluid from the cyst, which can provide temporary relief.
Medication: Topical or oral medications, such as corticosteroids, may be used to reduce inflammation or pain associated with a cyst.
Surgery: In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend surgically removing the cyst, particularly if it is large, recurrent, or causing significant discomfort or complications.

Preventing the Formation of Cysts

While it may not be possible to prevent all cysts, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cysts:

Maintaining good hygiene and skin care practices to prevent the buildup of skin cells and oils that can lead to the formation of epidermoid and sebaceous cysts.
Avoiding repetitive motions or activities that can put strain on the joints and tendons, which can contribute to the development of ganglion cysts.
Seeking prompt medical treatment for any injuries or infections that could potentially lead to the formation of a cyst.

If you notice any new or concerning lumps or bumps on your body, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome.

Key Takeaways

Cysts are sac-like pockets of tissue that can develop in various parts of the body, often filled with fluid, air, or other substances.
There are many different types of cysts, including epidermoid, sebaceous, breast, ganglion, and pilonidal cysts, each with their own unique characteristics.
Cysts can form due to injury, infection, blockage of a duct or gland, or inherited conditions, and certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing certain types of cysts.
Symptoms of cysts can include visible lumps, pain, discomfort, redness, swelling, or discharge, and diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests.
Treatment options for cysts can include watchful waiting, aspiration, medication, or surgical removal, depending on the type and severity of the cyst.
While it may not be possible to prevent all cysts, maintaining good hygiene, avoiding repetitive motions, and seeking prompt medical attention for injuries or infections can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cysts.

Pictures, Causes, Types, Treatments, and Prevention

A cyst is a small pocket of tissue filled with fluid, pus, or other substances. Cyst maybe caused by injury, infection, or other issues. They’re usually benign but may need treatment if complications arise.

A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts can grow almost anywhere in your body or under your skin.

There are many types of cysts. Most cysts are benign or noncancerous.

Whether a cyst needs treatment depends on a number of factors, including:

the type of cyst
the location of the cyst
whether the cyst is causing pain or discomfort
whether the cyst is inflamed or infected

If you’re not sure if you have a skin condition, you can take a picture and send it to an online dermatologist.

Cysts can vary in appearance depending on their type and location. Here are 11 types of cysts.

Epidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cysts are small, benign bumps filled with keratin. Kertain is a protein that’s essential in forming your skin, hair, and nails. Epidermoid cysts occur when something blocks hair follicles, and skin cells build up beneath this blockage.

These cysts can look like a skin-colored, tan, or yellowish bump filled with thick material. They typically occur on your face, neck, or torso, but can occur across your body.

In rare cases, epidermoid cysts can be caused by an inherited condition called Gardner syndrome.

Sebaceous cyst

Share on PinterestPhotography courtesy of Klaus D. Peter, Wiehl, Germany/Wikimedia Commons

Sebaceous cysts are filled with sebum and are less common than epidermoid cysts. They often form within sebaceous glands, which are part of your skin and hair follicles. Sebaceous glands make oil for your skin and hair.

These cysts most commonly occur on your face, neck, or torso, and are often the result of damage to sebaceous glands.

Breast cyst

Share on PinterestPhotography courtesy of Nevit Dilmen/Wikimedia Commons

Benign cysts can develop when fluid collects near your breast glands. They can cause pain or tenderness in the affected area.

While breast cysts are noncancerous, there are many possible other more serious causes for a lump in your breast. It’s important to be familiar with how your breasts typically feel so you’re aware of changes. This way, you’re more likely to notice changes right away.

You should try to make an appointment to see a healthcare professional if:

you discover a new lump
an area of your breast is noticeably different than the rest
a lump changes or grows larger
you notice unexpected discharge from the nipple
you have an inverted nipple, and it wasn’t always inverted

Ganglion cyst

A ganglion cyst is a round, gel-filled lump of tissue that usually appears along tendons or joints, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. Fluid accumulation can occur due to injury, trauma, or overuse, but often the cause is unknown.

A ganglion cyst is common, harmless, and doesn’t cause pain or difficulties unless it grows and puts pressure on other structures.

Pilonidal cyst

A pilonidal cyst is a common skin condition that forms in the cleft at the top of your buttocks. It consists of a small hole or tunnel in the skin that may become infected and fill with fluid or pus and it typically occurs after puberty.

Changing hormones, hair growth, and friction from clothes or from spending a long time sitting may all cause a pilonidal cyst.

Symptoms of an infection include:

pain when sitting or standing
discolored or sore skin around the area
pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor
swelling of the cyst
hair protruding from the lesion

Ovarian cyst

Ovarian cysts often form when the follicle that normally releases an egg doesn’t open. This causes fluid to build up and form a cyst.

Another common type of ovarian cyst occurs after the follicle releases the egg and improperly recloses and collects fluid.

Ovarian cysts occur most often in those of menstrual age and are typically first found during pelvic exams.

Ovarian cysts are associated with an increased risk of cancer when they occur after menopause.

Baker (popliteal) cyst

A Baker cyst is a swollen, fluid-filled sac at the back of your knee.

Causes of Baker cysts include conditions or occurrences that affect the joints such as arthritis, inflammation from repetitive stress, or a cartilage injury. Baker cysts can cause inflammation and pain and lower range of motion in your knee.

Physical therapy, fluid draining, and medication can all be used to help treat a Baker cyst.

Pilar cyst

A pilar cyst is a noncancerous, skin-colored, round bump that develops under the surface of your skin. They usually affect the skin on the scalp and results from protein buildup in a hair follicle.

They’re not cancerous, but they can grow to a size that can be uncomfortable.

Mucous cyst

A mucous cyst is a fluid-filled lump that forms on your lip or around your mouth when the salivary glands become plugged with mucus. The most common causes of mucous cysts include:

lip or cheek biting
lip piercings
rupture of the salivary gland
improper dental hygiene

Mucous cysts will often go away on their own. But if you have recurring or frequent mucous cysts, you may need medical treatment.

Branchial cleft cyst

Photography by BigBill58/Wikimedia Commons

A branchial cleft cyst is a type of developmental irregularity in which a lump develops on one or both sides of your neck or below your collarbone. It occurs during embryonic development when tissues in your neck and collarbone, or branchial cleft, develop differently.

In most cases, a branchial cleft cyst isn’t dangerous. But it may cause skin irritation, skin infection, or — in very rare adult cases — cancer.

Perineural (Tarlov) cyst

A perineural cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the spine.

Causes are unknown, but it may result from back trauma, including falls, injuries, and heavy exertion.

A perineural cyst can cause pain in your lower back, buttocks, or legs, but this is rare. If you do have symptoms, draining the fluid can help to relieve them.

Folliculitis (ingrown hair cyst)

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Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles. It’s often the result of a fungal or bacterial infection and can often resemble acne.

These pseudocysts are often seen in people who use hair removal methods like shaving or waxing. Ingrown hair cysts are an example of folliculitis. While ingrown hair cysts are possible, if you have bumps that appear near ingrown hairs, there’s a good chance that they’re actually razor bumps instead.

Razor bumps are also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, which is a type of pseudofolliculitis. Unlike folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis isn’t usually infectious.

Chalazion

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A chalazion is a small, usually painless lump on your eyelids that occurs when the duct of the meibomian gland, an oil gland, is blocked.

These pseudocysts can cause tenderness, blurred vision, and painful swelling. If they get too big, they can cause vision difficulties.

Cystic acne

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Cystic acne results from a combination of bacteria, oil, and dead skin clogging the pores. It’s the most severe type of acne, but it usually improves with age.

Cystic acne can look like large, pus-filled boils on the skin. It can also be painful to the touch. If these boils rupture, they can cause scarring.

Cystic acne most commonly occurs on your face, chest, neck, back, and arms.

If you believe you may have cystic acne, a dermatologist can prescribe medications to help treat it.

Learn more about acne treatments here.

A cyst can appear as a bump on your skin. These can vary in size from small, pimple-sized lumps to much larger, more obvious growths.

Some cysts grow deep inside your body where you can’t feel them. But they may cause or be related to other symptoms.

For example, ovarian cysts, such as those that result from polycystic ovary syndrome, may cause difficulties with ovarian and reproductive function. Polycystic kidney disease, which causes cysts to form in the kidney, can adversely affect kidney function.

Most cysts aren’t painful. They usually don’t cause difficulties unless they’re:

infected
very large
impinging on a nerve or blood vessel
growing in a sensitive area
affecting the function of an organ

Cysts and pseudocysts form for different reasons. They can be caused by:

infections
inherited diseases
genetics
chronic inflammation
blockages in ducts

The exact cause depends on the type of cyst or pseudocyst.

You should try to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional if your cyst becomes painful, or increasingly inflamed. This could be a symptom of a rupture or an infection.

They should check your cyst even if it isn’t causing any pain or other difficulties. Differences in these growths can be a symptom of cancer. A healthcare professional may want to remove a tissue sample for testing.

You should never try to squeeze or pop a cyst or pseudocyst yourself, as this can lead to infection.

In some cases, they improve on their own. Putting a warm compress on a cyst can speed up the healing process by helping it drain.

In other cases, medical care is required.

Medical care

Common methods of medical treatment for cysts include a healthcare professional:

using a needle to drain fluids and other matter from the cyst
giving you medications, such as a corticosteroid injection, to lower inflammation in the cyst
performing a surgical removal of the cyst, which may be done if draining doesn’t work or if you have an internal cyst that’s hard to reach and requires treatment

If you’re concerned about your cyst and don’t have an established relationship with a healthcare professional, you can view doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Benign cysts and pseudocysts usually don’t cause long-term difficulties. Sometimes they even go away on their own.

Cysts can refill after being drained. If you have a cyst that continues to refill, you may want to consider having it surgically removed.

If you have cancerous cysts, a healthcare professional will discuss treatment with you. The outlook will vary depending on the type of cancer involved.

Most types of cysts and pseudocysts can’t be prevented, but there are a few exceptions. Those prone to ovarian cysts may be able to prevent new cysts from forming by using hormonal contraceptives.

You can prevent pilonidal cysts from forming by keeping the skin in the affected area clean and dry. Getting up every so often instead of sitting for a long time can also help prevent these cysts.

Cleaning your eyelid near the eyelash line with a gentle cleanser can help keep the oil ducts from becoming blocked. This may help prevent chalazia.

Read this article in Spanish.

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

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

Get expert advice:

Mammologist

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.

Small Cyst on Chest: Epidermoid Cysts – Symptoms, Causes, and More

Types of Cysts and Their Characteristics

Epidermoid Cysts

Sebaceous Cysts

Breast Cysts

Ganglion Cysts

Causes and Risk Factors of Cysts

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cysts

Treatment and Management of Cysts

Preventing the Formation of Cysts

Key Takeaways

Pictures, Causes, Types, Treatments, and Prevention

Epidermoid cyst

Sebaceous cyst

Breast cyst

Ganglion cyst

Pilonidal cyst

Ovarian cyst

Baker (popliteal) cyst

Pilar cyst

Mucous cyst

Branchial cleft cyst

Perineural (Tarlov) cyst

Folliculitis (ingrown hair cyst)

Chalazion

Cystic acne

Medical care

Epidermoid Cyst: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

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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

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Complications of breast cyst

Breast cyst treatment

Breast cyst prophylaxis

Breast cyst

How does a cyst appear in the breast

Causes

Symptoms

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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.