Do breast cysts need treatment?

Whether a breast cyst needs treatment depends on the type of cyst, its size, and whether it causes symptoms. Most breast cysts are benign and cause no health problems, but if the cyst is large or causes symptoms such as pain or discomfort, it may need treatment. Understanding the causes and symptoms of breast cysts can help you choose the right treatment.

1. Common causes of breast cysts

The occurrence of breast cysts is usually related to changes in hormone levels. Especially in different stages of the menstrual cycle, women's hormones fluctuate greatly, which may cause fluid accumulation in the breast ducts, thus forming cysts. In addition, age and family genetic factors are also factors that affect the occurrence of breast cysts. Breast cysts are more common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, especially in women around menopause.

2. Symptoms and diagnosis of breast cysts

Most breast cysts have no obvious symptoms and may even be discovered accidentally during a physical examination or breast ultrasound. However, if the cyst is large or proliferates, it may cause breast pain, lumps, or tenderness. If these discomforts occur, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and receive professional examinations to confirm whether it is a benign breast cyst and rule out other malignant lesions. Through breast ultrasound, breast mammography X-ray and other methods, the size and location of the cyst and whether it is a simple cyst can be determined.

3. Treatment Methods

Treatment for breast cysts varies, depending on the size of the cyst, symptoms, and whether there are complications.

1) Observation and treatment

For small, asymptomatic breast cysts, immediate treatment is usually not needed. Your doctor may recommend regular checkups to monitor changes in the cyst. Breast ultrasounds are usually recommended every 6 months to make sure the cyst has not grown or changed in other ways.

2) Puncture and aspiration

If the cyst is large and causes breast pain or a noticeable lump, your doctor may recommend aspiration. This is a simple procedure that uses a thin needle to remove the fluid from the cyst. In most cases, this treatment is effective in relieving symptoms, is simple to perform, and has a quick recovery.

3) Surgical treatment

For recurring breast cysts, or when the size of the cysts interferes with daily life, your doctor may consider surgical removal of the cyst. Surgical removal is suitable for cysts that cannot be relieved by puncture and aspiration, or that have the risk of malignancy. After the removal surgery, regular follow-up examinations are required to ensure that the cyst has not recurred.

4) Medication

Some women may be able to adjust hormone levels through hormone drugs to reduce the size of breast cysts. Drug treatment is usually used to regulate endocrine and relieve cyst symptoms, but it is not suitable for all breast cyst patients.

4. Prevention and lifestyle adjustment

Although breast cysts cannot be completely prevented, some lifestyle adjustments can help reduce the risk of developing them. For example, maintaining a healthy diet, increasing foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants (such as vegetables, fruits, etc.), and avoiding excessive intake of caffeine and fat can help regulate hormone levels and reduce the probability of breast cysts.

Regular physical exercise can improve blood circulation and help maintain normal hormone levels, thereby reducing the risk of breast cysts. Maintaining a normal weight can also help control the balance of hormones in the body.

Most breast cysts are benign and do not cause serious health problems. However, if you experience symptoms such as a lump or pain in your breast, you should see a doctor promptly for examination and diagnosis. Small cysts without symptoms usually do not require treatment; however, symptomatic or larger cysts may require aspiration or surgery. Breast cysts can be effectively managed and their impact on health can be reduced through regular examinations, a healthy lifestyle, and medical intervention when necessary.