What happens if a breast cyst is malignant?

If a breast cyst becomes malignant, it may develop into breast cancer, which is a serious health hazard and requires active intervention. Specific possible effects include invasive growth within the cyst, increased risk of metastasis, and damage to multiple body systems. Once diagnosed, standardized treatment should be carried out as soon as possible. The following are the causes, risks, and treatment options for the deterioration of breast cysts.

1. Causes of deterioration

(1) Genetic factors: A family history of breast cancer or breast-related diseases may increase the risk of malignant transformation of breast cysts. Individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are at higher risk.

(2) Abnormal hormone levels: Long-term exposure to high levels of estrogen (such as taking hormone drugs, not breastfeeding for a long time, etc.) may stimulate abnormal proliferation of breast tissue and increase the risk of malignancy.

(3) Environmental factors: For example, long-term exposure to radiation, obesity, a high-fat, high-sugar diet and other bad lifestyle habits will increase the possibility of breast lesions.

(4) Cyst pathology: Abnormal changes in cells in breast cysts, such as microcalcification, uneven proliferation, and increased hardness, may be characteristics of malignant development.

2. The harm of malignant breast cysts

(1) Local invasion: Malignant breast cysts can cause destructive invasion to the surrounding normal breast tissue, leading to breast pain, abnormal nipple discharge or breast deformation.

(2) Distant metastasis: When cancer cells metastasize through the lymph or blood, they may spread to important organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones, affecting quality of life and shortening survival time.

(3) Impact on body systems: Malignant lesions may cause metabolic disorders, decreased immune function, and induce systemic manifestations such as fatigue and weight loss.

3. Treatment methods and suggestions

(1) Surgical treatment

Depending on the size of the cyst and medical history, surgical options include:

-Local excision: Only the cystic part is removed, suitable for early cases without metastasis.

- Partial/total mastectomy: Partial or total mastectomy may be considered for severe or multiple lesions.

-Lymph node dissection: When there is lymph node metastasis, the surrounding lymph nodes need to be cleared to prevent metastasis.

(2) Chemoradiotherapy

-Radiotherapy: used after surgery to completely remove tiny lesions and reduce the recurrence rate.

-Chemotherapy: used for patients with advanced disease or metastasis to kill cancer cells, especially for HER2-positive patients, it is often combined with targeted therapy.

(3) Daily management and adjuvant treatment

-Control high-fat diet and consume more foods rich in vitamins C, D, and E, such as broccoli, carrots, nuts, etc., to improve the body's antioxidant capacity.

-Avoid the abuse of hormonal drugs, perform regular breast ultrasound and mammography examinations, and monitor changes in cysts.

Whether a breast cyst is malignant or not makes a huge difference in treatment options and prognosis. If you suspect that a breast cyst has signs of deterioration, such as local swelling, pain, or abnormal nipple secretion, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo a mammogram or puncture biopsy to clarify the nature. Taking precautions before they occur, actively managing health habits, and reducing the risk of breast disease can help better protect breast health.