Is a breast cyst a tumor?

Breast cyst is not a tumor. It is a common benign breast lesion, which mainly manifests as fluid cysts in breast tissue. Unlike malignant tumors, breast cysts will not metastasize or invade surrounding tissues, but their nature needs to be determined through examination to rule out the possibility of other lesions.

The formation of breast cysts is usually related to changes in hormone levels, genetic factors and chronic obstruction in the mammary ducts. Cysts often occur in women between 30 and 50 years old. They often become larger before menstruation and are accompanied by breast tenderness, which may ease after the end of menstruation. This condition is usually a non-proliferative lesion and does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Through breast ultrasound examination, breast cysts generally appear as cystic lesions with clear edges and fluid contents. In a few cases, further fine needle aspiration biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. If the cyst fluid is transparent or straw yellow and contains no abnormal cells, it is mostly a simple cyst with a low risk of malignancy.

For simple breast cysts, no special treatment is generally required, but changes need to be monitored regularly. If the cyst is large, accompanied by obvious discomfort or recurring, fine needle puncture can be used to extract the fluid to relieve symptoms. This method is simple and safe, but there may be a possibility of recurrence of cystic fluid. For cysts caused by hormone fluctuations, adjusting lifestyle habits and diet, such as reducing the intake of caffeine and high-fat foods, can also help improve symptoms. If the nature of the cyst is unclear, it needs to be further evaluated in combination with breast mammography or MRI. Any suspicious symptoms, such as hardening of the cyst, irregular shape, or nipple discharge, need to be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

In daily life, it is very important to maintain a healthy breast state. It is recommended to check the breast regularly, especially for women over 35 years old, and complete breast ultrasound or mammography screening once a year. You should try to avoid excessive mood swings, eat a light diet, and exercise appropriately to maintain endocrine balance. Once any abnormality is found in the breast, you should go to a professional hospital for examination and treatment in time to ensure your health.