How big is a breast cyst before surgery is required?

When a breast cyst is larger than 3-5 cm in diameter and has obvious symptoms such as pain, pressure, or affects the quality of life, surgical treatment may be considered. Whether surgery is necessary should be determined based on specific examination results and doctor's evaluation, not just size.

Breast cysts are a common breast problem. Most of them are small, benign, and symptom-free cystic lesions that generally do not require special treatment. However, when the cyst is larger, especially when it is larger than 3 cm, it may compress the surrounding tissues and even cause pain or local discomfort. Rapidly growing cysts, accompanied by nipple discharge, and lumps that feel hard or have uneven textures need to be further alert to the possibility of malignancy. Examinations such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or fine needle aspiration (FNAC) can clarify the nature of the cyst and help doctors make scientific judgments.

For breast cysts that require surgery, there are three common treatment methods: one is cyst puncture and fluid extraction, which completely extracts the fluid in the cyst. If the cyst recurs repeatedly, further treatment may be recommended; the second is minimally invasive surgery, such as cystectomy under the guidance of a guidewire, which removes the lesion through the smallest incision; the third is traditional surgical resection, which is generally suitable for larger lesions or lesions that cannot be removed by minimally invasive surgery. At the same time, diet and lifestyle habits are also important to reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cysts. It is recommended to consume more foods rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, such as nuts, green leafy vegetables, and moderate supplementation of soy isoflavones, and avoid high-fat diets and staying up late.

When facing breast cysts, regular physical examinations and communication with doctors are essential. It is more likely to be benign, but if you feel abnormal changes or severe symptoms, don't panic and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Through scientific treatment and management, most patients can return to normal life. Health is everyone's most precious wealth, please use a positive and optimistic attitude to face any condition that may occur in your body.