What is the relationship between breast cysts as a presenting symptom and breast cancer?
The evidence from literature has shown a risk from 1.7 to 7.5 times that of normal population in patients who present with a palpable lump. A study by Dixon et al of 1374 women with palpable cysts showed a relative risk of 3.24 in women with a palpable cyst compared to the normal population. What is the natural history of cysts? Most cysts develop rapidly and then stay the same size. A small number shrink or continue to grow. Larger cysts can be felt in the breast tissue. They might be firm or soft. Often women have more than one cyst at a time. What happens at the breast centre? When patients are referred with a lump history is taken, clinical and ultrasound examinations are performed. Mammogram is performed if patient is over age 35. Ultrasound guided aspiration of the cyst is the standard of care and cysts are categorized as simple cysts and complex / complicated cysts. Management of simple cysts: • Asymptomatic: no treatment • Symptomatic: aspiration under ultrasound guidance. • As
