Breast Cysts Flashcards
What are Breast Cysts?
Benign fluid-filled sacs
Describe the epidemiology of Breast Cysts
Peak 30-50; esp pre/ peri-menopausal
What is thought to play a part in development of breast cysts?
Increased sensitivity to oestrogen
(given regression of cystic changes post-menopause)
Give 5 S/S of Breast Cysts
Soft + fluctuant
Solitary or multiple
Smooth + mobile
Non-tender
Increase in size/ become tender prior to menstruation
How are Breast Cysts investigated?
Triple assessment
USS: well-circumscribed, fluid filled
Mammogram: ‘halo appearance’
+/- FNA to aspirate cyst: diagnostic + therapeutic
Which imaging modality is preferred for differentiating cystic and solid breast masses?
USS
(Mammography can’t reliably distinguish between solid + cystic breast mass)
Describe the aspirate of breast cysts
Straw coloured
If atypical e.g. bloody, send for cytology
Describe the management of breast cysts
Asymptomatic: self-resolve
Symptomatic: aspirate, can recur + may need future aspiration
How are women with large numbers of breast cysts be managed?
Should not be subjected to repeated aspirations unless the cysts are causing intolerable Sx or there is clinical concern.
How are breast cysts classified based on ultrasound findings? Describe management for each
Simple: benign. Most resolve spontaneously
Complicated: typically benign, consider biopsy. F/U scans.
Complex: core needle biopsy/ excisional biopsy due to increased risk malignancy.
