Complicated cysts are very unlikely to be cancer, but in some cases a doctor might advise a follow-up exam or a procedure to remove the fluid with a thin, hollow needle, just to be sure. A complicated cyst is similar to a simple cyst, but it has what looks like ‘debris’ floating in the fluid.

Simple cysts are not a cause for concern.

A simple cyst is filled entirely with fluid.

If there is a concern about a lump possibly being cancer, a breast ultrasound typically is done to see if the lump is solid or if it has fluid in it (that is, if it's a cyst). At times you may notice some nipple discharge. These symptoms tend to be worse just before your menstrual period, and they may change (such as the lumps growing or shrinking) during different stages of your menstrual cycle. Most often, fibrocystic changes are diagnosed based on symptoms, such as breast lumps, swelling, and/or tenderness or pain. These can often be felt easily and can be as large as 1 or 2 inches across. If fluid continues to build up, they can develop into macrocysts (large cysts). They start as microcysts (very small cysts), which are too small to feel unless they are part of a cluster (group) of microcysts. Monthly hormone changes often cause cysts to get bigger and become painful and sometimes more noticeable just before the menstrual period.Ĭysts begin when fluid starts to build up inside the breast glands. They are most common in women in their 30s or 40s, but they can occur in women of any age. They are often felt as a round, movable lump (or lumps), which might be tender to the touch. CystsĬysts are fluid-filled, round or oval sacs within the breasts. Areas of fibrosis can feel rubbery or firm to the touch. Fibrosisįibrosis refers to an area of fibrous tissue, the same tissue that ligaments and scar tissue are made of. These changes used to be called fibrocystic disease, but they are a normal finding in many women.įibrocystic changes are most common in women of child-bearing age, but they can affect women of any age. 10, 2019.Many breast lumps turn out to be non-cancerous (benign) changes in fibrous tissue (fibrosis) and/or cysts, which together are known as fibrocystic changes. 164: Diagnosis and management of benign breast disorders.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Journal of the American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria evaluation of nipple discharge.

Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women.

Intraductal papilloma (a benign growth in a milk duct.).

Fibrocystic breasts (which tend to feel lumpy or have a ropelike texture when checked by a health care provider.).

Possible causes of nipple discharge include:

The discharge affects only a single duct.

The discharge is spontaneous and persistent.

The discharge contains blood or is clear.

However, breast cancer is a possibility, especially if: Often, nipple discharge stems from a benign condition. If the biopsy confirms a papilloma, your doctor will refer you to a surgeon to discuss treatment options. You may also need a biopsy to confirm that it's a papilloma or to exclude a cancer.

Although the bloody discharge may resolve on its own, your doctor will likely recommend a diagnostic mammogram and a breast ultrasound to see what's causing the discharge. The discharge associated with a papilloma often occurs spontaneously and involves a single duct. A papilloma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor that can be associated with bloody discharge.

Fibrocystic breast changes