Can breast cysts be fatal?

Breast cysts are usually benign, but if they show malignant changes, there are health risks, which may be life-threatening in severe cases. Malignant changes in breast cysts need to be confirmed through medical tests, and once abnormalities are found, they should be treated promptly. The following will analyze the causes, discuss diagnosis and treatment methods, help identify risks, and protect health.

1. What is a breast cyst? Why does it become malignant?

Breast cysts are common benign lesions in the breast, mostly formed by the accumulation of fluid in the breast ducts, and are closely related to hormone level fluctuations. Ordinary cysts generally do not become cancerous, but long-term repeated stimulation or pathological hyperplasia may cause malignant changes and lead to the risk of breast cancer. Genetic factors, environmental pollution or bad living habits (such as high-fat diet and staying up late) can also increase the risk of cancer.

#suggestion:

-Women should have regular breast examinations (eg, ultrasound or mammography), especially during the premenopausal and late menopausal years when hormone levels fluctuate.

- Adjust your diet, reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and eat more foods rich in antioxidants, such as broccoli, carrots and walnuts.

2. What are the symptoms of malignant breast cysts?

Malignant breast cysts may show signs of continued enlargement, irregular borders, calcifications, skin indentation, nipple bleeding, hard touch, and enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits. If a breast cyst becomes painful or hard and does not change with the menstrual cycle, you should see a doctor immediately.

#suggestion:

-If you experience the above symptoms, please go to a breast specialist clinic as soon as possible to undergo breast imaging or puncture cytology examination to confirm the diagnosis.

-Through regular screening, there is a higher chance of finding cancer at an early stage, in which case the success rate of treatment is higher.

3. How to treat malignant breast cysts?

Treatment options for malignant breast cysts include the following:

-Surgery: Lumpectomy is usually the first choice for small malignant lesions, or radical mastectomy can be used to prevent recurrence.

-Chemoradiotherapy: Suitable for patients with a high malignancy index or metastasis, and can eliminate residual cancer cells.

-Targeted drugs: drugs such as trastuzumab have significant effects on HER2-positive breast cysts and improve survival rates.

At the same time, patients should also pay attention to postoperative follow-up and adjust their mentality to avoid secondary malignant transformation.

How to prevent malignant breast cysts?

Maintaining a regular schedule, eating healthy, and exercising moderately are important means of prevention. You can do 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week to relieve stress; do a monthly breast self-examination to check for any abnormalities. Women over 40 should have a breast specialist examination at least once a year.

If a breast cyst is malignant, it can be fatal, but through early screening and early treatment, most patients can restore a good quality of life. Paying attention to breast health and timely diagnosis and treatment are the top priorities for protecting health.