Treatment of breast cysts

Symptoms. What does a cyst look like?

A breast cyst is a hollow formation filled with fluid. It can be single or multiple, varying in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. Women often describe it as a ‘lump in the breast,’ ‘ball in the breast,’ ‘stone in the breast,’ or ‘bump on the breast.’ Symptoms may include:

• A noticeable lump in the breast.
• Discomfort or pain before menstruation.
• A change in the shape or contours of the breast.
• Sometimes – discharge from the nipple.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a mammologist at the ZDRAVO clinic in Mykolaiv for timely diagnosis and treatment.

How to get rid of a breast cyst?

Treatment of a breast cyst in Mykolaiv depends on its size, structure and accompanying symptoms. At the ZDRAVO clinic, we use modern treatment methods:

• Conservative therapy – observation and medication correction for small cysts.
• Cyst puncture – removal of fluid from the cyst under ultrasound guidance.
• Sclerotherapy – injection of a special drug to prevent fluid from accumulating again.
• Breast cyst removal surgery – recommended for large or complex cysts.

Our mammologists and gynaecologists in Mykolaiv will select the optimal treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.

Breast cyst: diagnosis. Diagnostic methods

For an accurate diagnosis, the ZDRAVO clinic offers:

• Breast ultrasound in Mykolaiv – a safe and informative method that allows you to assess the structure of the cyst.
• Mammography – recommended for women over 40 for detailed diagnosis.
• Cyst puncture – performed to analyse the fluid for the presence of atypical cells.
• Hormonal testing – helps to identify the causes of cyst formation.

What does a cyst look like on an ultrasound?

On an ultrasound, a breast cyst looks like a round or oval formation with clear boundaries. Its internal contents are usually homogeneous and liquid, which is clearly visible on the screen of the device. It is important to distinguish simple cysts from complex ones, which may contain partitions, thickening or irregularities. An ultrasound of the mammary glands at the ZDRAVO clinic in Mykolaiv allows you to accurately determine the structure of the cyst and assess the need for further treatment.

What will happen if the cyst is not treated?

If a breast cyst is left unchecked, it can:

• Grow in size, causing discomfort and pain.
• Become inflamed, leading to suppuration and unpleasant complications.
• Press on surrounding tissues, causing breast deformation.
• In rare cases, complicate the diagnosis of other formations.

That is why timely diagnosis and treatment of breast cysts are important for maintaining health. Contact the ZDRAVO clinic in Mykolaiv to get a high-quality breast examination and consultation with an experienced mammologist.

Breast cyst removal surgery

In some cases, surgery is the most effective method of treating breast cysts. The operation is performed using modern minimally invasive techniques that minimise risks and shorten the recovery period. At the ZDRAVO clinic, breast cysts are removed by experienced breast surgeons using high-precision equipment.

Indications for surgery

Surgical treatment is prescribed in the following cases:

• If the cyst reaches a large size and causes discomfort.
• If the cyst refills with fluid after puncture.
• If the cyst has uneven walls or internal inclusions (risk of oncological pathologies).
• In case of suppuration or inflammation.
• If the cyst causes significant breast deformation.

Contraindications to surgery

Surgery is not always the best solution. It may be contraindicated in the following cases:

• Pregnancy and lactation (in the absence of urgent indications).
• Severe chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation.
• Acute infectious diseases.
• Blood clotting disorders.

Each case is considered individually, and the decision to operate is made after a detailed examination and consultation with a mammologist.

Can a cyst turn out to be breast cancer?

A breast cyst is a benign growth that usually does not degenerate into a malignant tumor. Simple cysts filled with fluid have no oncological potential. However, if the cyst has an atypical structure, uneven walls, or internal inclusions, additional examination is necessary, as in rare cases such cysts may contain malignant cells.

To rule out cancer, your doctor may recommend additional diagnostic procedures, such as a biopsy or mammogram. It is important to undergo regular examinations, especially if new lumps appear in the breast or existing ones change.

What type of breast cyst most often turns into cancer?

Although most cysts are harmless, certain types require careful monitoring:

• Atypical cyst – contains tissue growth inside the cavity and has uneven walls.
• Ductal cyst – may be associated with intraductal changes that increase the risk of cancer.
• Cysts with solid inclusions – require detailed examination, as in some cases they may contain atypical cells.

If the doctor detects suspicious changes during an ultrasound examination or mammography, a biopsy is recommended to determine the nature of the cells.

How to prevent cysts in the mammary glands?

Prevention of mammary gland cysts is based on maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy lifestyle:

• Regular preventive examinations – consultation with a mammologist and ultrasound of the mammary glands at least once a year.
• Hormonal control – if necessary, undergo testing for estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Proper nutrition – reduce consumption of fats, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Physical activity – improves blood circulation and hormone metabolism.
• Avoid harmful habits – smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have a negative impact on breast health.
• Weight control – obesity is one of the risk factors for hormonal disorders that can cause cysts.
• Reducing stress – nervous tension can contribute to hormonal imbalance.

Following these recommendations will help reduce the risk of cysts and maintain breast health. If you experience any lumps or discomfort in your breasts, consult a mammologist for a timely examination.