Question 1

can the doctor tell the difference between a breast cyst and a tumor? how?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound or Needle: It is very easy to distinguish being a cyst, which is fluid-filled, and a tumor, which is almost-always solid, by performing an ultrasound.  Alternatively, a needle aspiration can be done. This sounds worse then it is--it hurts about as much as having your blood drawn.  Bottom line:  if you find a lump in your breast, see your primary care doctor or gynecologist.

Question 2

can i find out if a breast cyst / tumor is malignant through a breast ultrasound and mammogram?

Accepted Answer

Suspicious only: Imaging techniques other than an MRI may be an indication of the level of suspicion for malignancy in the context of several other findings on history and physical examination. However, a diagnosis ultimately requires a biopsy.

Question 3

what's the difference between a breast nodule and a breast cyst?

Accepted Answer

Solid v Fluid-Filled: A "nodule" is a generic term for a breast lump. Common causes include "lumpy-bumpy" breast tissue ("fibrocystic changes"), tumors (benign or malignant), and cysts (fluid-filled;benign).  A thorough history and physical examination supplemented by ultrasound+/-mammography+/-biopsy will help sort this out.

Question 4

is a breast lump 1.4cm x 2.8 cm to big?  does it irritate the lump more when pressing and touching it? difference septated breast cyst/palpable lump?

Accepted Answer

Pressing/touching: a breast lump will not fundamentally change what it is, but I suppose the more it is manipulated, the more potential that some tenderness might develop.  At this point, the size doesn't really matter.  Lumps caused by benign processes can be smaller or larger, lumps caused by cancers can be smaller or larger.  You need  to find out what is causing the lump...see your doc for evaluation and imaging

Question 5

is a septated breast cyst anything to worry about?

Accepted Answer

No not immediately: But it should be followed up with repeat imaging with mammography and or ultrasound examination as some of the cysts can develop cancer inside after many years of observation.

Question 6

think i got breast cyst original one gone but another appeared i'm 19?

Accepted Answer

Unusual: Most benign pathology of breast is related to hormone activity on breast tissue.  In early years activity is on breast tissue resulting in fibroadenomas. Over 30 the effect begins on the ductal system producting partial   blockage with fluid accumulation leading to cysts. When spontaneous  opening in duct occurs the cyst disappears.  Most of the time with age fibrocytic disease is commonplace

Question 7

can a breast cyst rupture?

Accepted Answer

No such concerns: Breast cysts are deeply located and protected by the breast tissues..., so there is no such risk or concerns.

Question 8

can it hurt to get a breast cyst drained?

Accepted Answer

No: The breast is given a local anesthetic, a small needle is inserted and the fluid is aspirated. The fluid is sent to the lab for evaluation. The whole procedure can be performed in the office.

Question 9

are breast cyst common for a 20 year old?

Accepted Answer

Yes: They are more common in women aged 35-50 but can be found at any age.  Most breast cysts are benign. The might require drainage if they are painful, large, or just simply if you want to make them go away for piece of mind.
Cyst fluid that is bloody is of concern but almost any other color would be of no concern.

Question 10

is a 3 mm breast cyst too small to aspirate?

Accepted Answer

Too small : A breast cyst that is 3mm is usually too small to aspirate.  They are usually observed to see if they get larger, then they can be addressed or disappear on their own.

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Doctor answers about:

Difference between breast cyst and tumor

A member asked:

Can the doctor tell the difference between a breast cyst and a tumor? how?

A member asked:

Can i find out if a breast cyst / tumor is malignant through a breast ultrasound and mammogram?

A member asked:

What's the difference between a breast nodule and a breast cyst?

A member asked:

Is a breast lump 1.4cm x 2.8 cm to big? does it irritate the lump more when pressing and touching it? difference septated breast cyst/palpable lump?

A member asked:

Is a septated breast cyst anything to worry about?

A member asked:

Think i got breast cyst original one gone but another appeared i'm 19?

A member asked:

Can a breast cyst rupture?

A member asked:

Can it hurt to get a breast cyst drained?

A member asked:

Are breast cyst common for a 20 year old?

A member asked:

Is a 3 mm breast cyst too small to aspirate?

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