Breast cysts, how to detect them
Breast cysts are a widespread benign condition, with around 60% of women suffering from them. It is a malformative disease: an altered development of the milk ducts, small tubes immersed in the lobules of the breast
Mammary cysts are particularly common in women aged 30 to 50
They are linked to women’s menstrual and hormonal flow and we do not really know what is causing the change in breast tissue.
The contraceptive pill, for example, is unintentionally a cure for these cysts, precisely because it stabilises female hormones.
How are cysts differentiated?
Cysts are essentially differentiated by their symptoms; they are almost always dilated ducts with a liquid content.
They are defined as sedimentary when bacteria or sediment precipitate in the liquid, forming a sort of encrustation inside the cyst.
Very rarely, benign or non-benign neoplasms can form inside the cyst, which are characterised by a formation that grows inside and can bleed (cyst with vegetation).
The presence of blood in the agocentesis is an alarm bell that can lead to the operating theatre; however, this is quite rare.
How can cysts be detected?
When a woman washes or touches her breasts, especially during the premenstrual phase, she may notice a kind of grape under the skin, which is very mobile and painful, and may appear within 24 hours.
The cysts are usually detected by ultrasound or mammography and are not usually treated; they should be removed when something abnormal grows inside or if there is bleeding.
Breast checks
Check-ups begin around the age of 30, but it is very important to know if someone in the family has had a breast tumour, because in this case it is a good idea to start looking after your breasts a little earlier and not go beyond the age of 30 for a breast examination and ultrasound scan.
For women aged between 30 and 40, breast ultrasound is essential.
Above the age of 40-45, mammography is necessary.
Mammography screening programmes start all over Italy after the age of 45, and I recommend that all women take part because they really do save lives.
Read Also:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Signs, Symptoms And Treatment
Bone Cysts In Children, The First Sign May Be A ‘Pathological’ Fracture