Do breast cysts need to be removed?

Breast cysts do not necessarily need to be removed. Whether to take surgical treatment depends on the nature, size and symptoms of the cyst. Most breast cysts are benign, especially simple cystic breast cysts, which usually do not worsen and do not require surgical treatment.

Breast cysts are cystic structures formed by the accumulation of secretions due to blockage of glands or ducts in the breast lobules. Most of these cysts are benign, with a diameter of several millimeters to several centimeters, and a soft or slightly hard texture. If the cyst is small and there is no obvious discomfort, no special treatment is usually required. Some women may feel breast tenderness, especially before menstruation, because changes in hormone levels in the body can stimulate the expansion of cysts.

If the cyst is large or recurrent, it may compress the surrounding tissues and cause pain or proliferative lesions. In this case, further evaluation is required. Doctors usually determine the nature of the cyst through breast ultrasound or puncture and fluid extraction. If the cyst disappears after fluid extraction and the fluid is transparent and colorless, it is mostly a benign cyst and no surgical intervention is required. However, if the cyst contains bloody fluid or cannot be completely absorbed, further histological examination may be required to rule out the possibility of malignancy.

For women with breast cysts in their daily lives, it is important to adjust their diet and lifestyle. Maintaining a regular schedule, avoiding staying up late, and reducing stress are beneficial to breast health. In terms of diet, you can reduce the intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods, and avoid excessive intake of caffeine and chocolate, as these may aggravate breast pain. At the same time, pay attention to regular breast self-examination and breast imaging examinations to keep abreast of changes in cysts. If you find that the cyst is rapidly increasing in a short period of time, or is accompanied by nipple discharge, abnormal shape, etc., you should seek medical evaluation in time.