The presence of a cyst in the breast usually does not require treatment, since, in most cases, it is a benign change that does not affect the woman's health. However, it is common for the gynecologist, even so, to choose to follow the woman for a few months, to observe if the cyst grows or produces any type of symptom.
If the cyst increases in size or shows any other changes, there may be suspicion of malignancy and, therefore, the doctor may need to request an aspiration of the cyst, after which the liquid will be evaluated in the laboratory to confirm if there are cancer cells in the site. See the risk of cyst in the breast to turn into breast cancer.
How the follow-up is done
After identifying a cyst in the breast, it is common for the gynecologist to advise the woman to have a regular follow-up, which includes performing mammography and ultrasound exams every 6 or 12 months. These tests allow us to assess whether, over time, there are changes in the characteristics of the cyst, especially in size, shape, density or in the presence of symptoms.
In most cases the cyst is benign and, therefore, remains the same over time, in all tests ordered by the doctor. However, if there is any change, the doctor may suspect malignancy and, therefore, it is common to indicate the aspiration of the cyst with a needle and evaluation, in the laboratory, of the fluid removed.
When aspiration is necessary
Aspiration is a relatively simple procedure where the doctor inserts a needle through the skin into the cyst, in order to aspirate the liquid inside. Usually, this procedure is done when there is suspicion of malignancy or when the cyst is causing some type of discomfort in the woman, or leading to the appearance of symptoms.
Depending on the characteristics of the aspirated liquid, further tests may or may not be ordered:
- Bloodless fluid with cyst disappearance: normally no further examination or treatment is necessary; Fluid with blood and cyst that does not disappear: there may be a suspicion of malignancy and, thus, the doctor sends a sample of the liquid to the laboratory; There is no fluid outflow: the doctor may order other tests or a biopsy of the solid part of the cyst to assess the risk of being cancer.
After aspiration, the doctor may recommend that the woman use analgesics to reduce pain, in addition to recommending rest for about 2 days.
