Causes and risk factors:
Although the exact cause is still not clear hormonal changes is said to be one of the pre disposing factor. Hormonal replacement therapy especially in women after menopause is other common cause of development of cysts in breast.
Clinical presentations:
The cyst can be of two types’ micro and macro. Micro cysts are small cyst which are not easily palpable and can be seen only during ultrasound scanning while macro cyst are large cyst which are easily felt on examination. Either one or both the breast is affected .In cases where the size of the cyst is small the patient may have no complaints .At times the female can come up with complaints of feeling of a lump in breast on palpation. The size of the affected breast is large as compared to another if size of the cyst is large. Pain and tenderness are other common symptoms seen.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the local examination of the breast carried out by the doctor. Self breast examination by the women points to detection of lump. (Breast self examination technique: Stand in front of the mirror and look at the breast. Notice whether there is any swelling or change in size and shape of the breast. Examine the nipple whether there are any color changes in and around the nipple. Any redness or rash is seen any change in shape and location. The same things must be notice by raising the arms. Each of the breasts should be palpated right from the color bone in lying and standing position also. ) Fine needle aspiration is the diagnostic investigation. Mammography of the breast, breast ultrasound and MRI scan of the breast are recommended .A biopsy will help to differentiate between the malignant and benign tumor.
Treatment:
Treatment plan depends upon the size of the cysts. Usually small cysts which are asymptomatic do not need any medical intervention and resolve on its own. Medicated pills can be advised. Surgical intervention is needed in large discomforting cysts.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
