How to tell if a breast cyst is benign or malignant

Whether a breast cyst is benign can be determined by examining the size, shape, and imaging features of the cyst, and professional medical evaluation is required. Many breast cysts are benign and do not require treatment, but if malignancy is suspected, prompt medical intervention is necessary.

1. Imaging examination: Ultrasound examination is the most common and can determine whether the cyst is a fluid-occupying lesion or a solid lesion. Benign cysts are usually round or oval with clear boundaries, while malignant cysts may be irregular in shape with blurred boundaries.

2. Mammography (mammography): Through X-ray images, the density and calcification characteristics of the cyst can be seen. Benign cysts usually have no calcification or only smooth calcification edges, while malignant changes may have rough or irregular calcification.

3. Fine needle aspiration biopsy: For cysts that are difficult to identify, fine needle aspiration biopsy can provide cytological evidence to clarify the nature of the cyst. Benign breast cyst cells are usually arranged neatly without atypia, while malignant ones may have large nuclear atypical cells.

4. Pathological examination: If the above methods cannot confirm, pathological examination can be performed to obtain tissue samples through biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Benign lesions usually have normal structure and no abnormal cell proliferation, while malignant lesions will show abnormal cell structure and proliferation markers.

After the nature of the cyst is determined, if it is confirmed to be benign and asymptomatic, usually no treatment is required, and only regular follow-up observation is required. However, if it is suspected to be malignant, further surgical removal or radiotherapy and chemotherapy are required.

When it comes to breast cysts, early diagnosis and treatment are key. It is recommended to conduct regular breast self-examination and professional physical examinations to detect abnormalities in a timely manner. Psychologically, you should also adjust your mood, actively cooperate with the examinations and treatments arranged by the doctor, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, so as to effectively reduce the risk of breast diseases. Regardless of the results, it is the right direction to maintain an optimistic attitude and seek professional medical help.