Fluid-filled sacs in the breast tissue.

Symptoms

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breast tissue and may present with the following symptoms:

Palpable Lump: A smooth, easily movable lump that can vary in size.

Tenderness or Pain: Especially before or during menstruation.

Changes in Lump Size: The cyst may grow or shrink with hormonal fluctuations.

Nipple Discharge: May occur, usually clear, yellow, or light brown.

Localized Swelling: The area around the cyst may feel swollen or tender.

Risk Factors

Breast cysts are relatively common, especially in women between the ages of 35 and 50. Contributing risk factors include:

Hormonal Changes: Linked to the menstrual cycle, particularly estrogen fluctuations.

Perimenopause: More frequent during the years leading to menopause.

Family History: A family history of breast cysts or other benign breast conditions.

Caffeine Consumption: Some studies suggest caffeine might exacerbate cyst symptoms, though the evidence is mixed.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing breast cysts typically involves the following steps:

Physical Exam: The healthcare provider palpates the breast to detect lumps.

Imaging Tests:

Ultrasound: Determines if the lump is fluid-filled (cyst) or solid (may require further investigation).

Mammogram: Often used in conjunction with an ultrasound, especially in women over 40.

Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to extract fluid from the cyst, confirming the diagnosis and often relieving discomfort.

Biopsy: Rarely needed unless the lump appears suspicious or contains solid components.

Treatment Options

Most breast cysts are benign and do not require treatment unless they are large, painful, or causing discomfort. Treatment options include:

Observation:

Small, asymptomatic cysts often resolve on their own.

Regular monitoring is recommended for any changes in size or symptoms.

Fine-Needle Aspiration:

The fluid is drained to reduce size and alleviate pain.

Recurrent cysts may require repeat aspirations.

Lifestyle Changes:

Reduce caffeine and salt intake to minimize fluid retention and hormonal fluctuations.

Wear supportive bras to reduce breast discomfort.

Medications:

Oral Contraceptives: May help regulate hormones and reduce the recurrence of cysts.

Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for symptom relief.

Surgical Removal:

Rarely necessary unless the cyst is recurrent, unusually large, or has concerning features on imaging tests.

Hormone Therapy:

For severe cases, medications that block estrogen production may be considered, though these have significant side effects.

Inflammation or infection of the breast, often associated with breastfeeding.

Symptoms

Localized Breast Pain: Often described as a sharp, burning, or throbbing sensation.

Swelling and Redness: Affected area may feel warm, swollen, and appear red or blotchy.

Lump or Hard Area: A firm or tender area may be present in the breast.

Fever and Chills: Signs of infection, often with flu-like symptoms.

Nipple Discharge: May include pus or be cloudy in cases of infection.

General Discomfort: Fatigue and feeling unwell are common.

Risk Factors

Breastfeeding: Incomplete milk drainage or a blocked milk duct.

Weaning: Sudden stopping of breastfeeding can lead to milk stasis.

Previous Mastitis: History of mastitis increases susceptibility.

Tight-Fitting Bras or Clothing: Can restrict milk flow and contribute to blockages.

Weakened Immune System: Illness or fatigue may make infection more likely.

Smoking: Linked to an increased risk of infections, including mastitis.

Diagnosis

Clinical History and Physical Examination: A healthcare provider assesses symptoms and examines the breast.

Breast Ultrasound: May be used to check for abscesses or blockages.

Milk Culture or Nipple Discharge Analysis: To identify the causative bacteria in severe or recurrent cases.

Blood Tests: May be conducted if a systemic infection is suspected.

Treatment Options

Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and inflammation.

Antibiotics: Prescribed if an infection is confirmed. Common options include dicloxacillin or cephalexin.

Antifungal Treatment: If mastitis is caused by yeast infection, antifungal creams or oral medications may be used.

Abscess Drainage: If an abscess forms, it may require needle aspiration or surgical drainage.

Hospitalization: Rarely, intravenous antibiotics are needed for severe infections.

A collection of pus in the breast due to infection.

Symptoms

Breast Lump: A tender, firm, or swollen lump that may feel warm to the touch.

Redness and Swelling: The skin over the affected area appears red or inflamed.

Pain: Intense localized pain in the breast.

Fever and Chills: Often a sign of systemic infection.

Nipple Discharge: May include pus or other unusual fluid.

Fatigue and Malaise: General feeling of being unwell.

Risk Factors

Untreated or Recurrent Mastitis: Prolonged infection can lead to abscess formation.

Breastfeeding Issues: Poor latch or milk stasis causing blocked ducts.

Cracked Nipples: Provide entry points for bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus.

Non-Lactational Causes: Smoking, obesity, or nipple piercings increase susceptibility in non-lactating women.

Weakened Immune System: Conditions such as diabetes or chronic illnesses.

Previous Breast Abscess: Increases the likelihood of recurrence.

Diagnosis

Clinical Examination: A doctor will assess the lump, redness, tenderness, and other symptoms.

Breast Ultrasound: Confirms the presence of a fluid-filled abscess and determines its size.

Needle Aspiration and Culture: Fluid from the abscess is drawn with a needle and tested for bacteria or fungi.

Mammogram or MRI: Used in non-lactating women to rule out underlying conditions, such as breast cancer.

Treatment Options

Needle Aspiration: A syringe is used to draw out the pus; often guided by ultrasound.

Surgical Drainage: For large or persistent abscesses, a small incision is made to remove pus.

Performed under local or general anesthesia.

Antibiotic Therapy: Prescribed to treat or prevent the spread of infection.

Pump or Express Milk: Prevents milk stasis and relieves pressure.

Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation.

Blockage or dilation of breast ducts, causing nipple discharge.

Symptoms

Nipple Discharge: Thick, sticky, and often green, yellow, or black.

Nipple Retraction: The nipple may become pulled inward or flattened.

Breast Pain or Tenderness: Localized around the affected duct.

Lump Near the Nipple: Caused by inflammation or scarring around the duct.

Redness or Swelling: Around the nipple or areola area.

Risk Factors

Age: Common in women aged 40–60, especially around menopause.

Smoking: Strongly linked to the development of ductal ectasia.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations near menopause may play a role.

History of Breast Infections: Repeated infections can contribute to duct changes.

Nipple Trauma or Surgery: May predispose ducts to inflammation or scarring.

Diagnosis

Clinical Examination: A doctor evaluates the nipple discharge, retraction, or lump.

Mammogram: Identifies dilated ducts or rules out other conditions.

Breast Ultrasound: Visualizes the structure of ducts and adjacent tissues.

Nipple Discharge Analysis: Laboratory tests to check for infection or malignancy.

Biopsy: Performed if imaging shows atypical features to rule out cancer.

Treatment Options

Antibiotics: Prescribed if there is an associated infection or abscess.

Microdochectomy: Removal of the affected duct if symptoms persist or worsen.

Total Duct Excision: All ducts under the nipple are removed in severe or recurrent cases.

Small growths in the milk ducts that may cause nipple discharge.

Symptoms

Nipple Discharge: Typically clear, bloody, or serous (yellowish).

Breast Lump: Small, often painless lump near the nipple or deeper in the breast (in the case of multiple papillomas).

Nipple Tenderness or Pain: Some women experience discomfort around the affected area.

Changes in the Nipple or Areola: Retraction or slight changes in appearance may occur.

Risk Factors

Age: Most common in women aged 35–55.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations may contribute to the development of papillomas.

Family History: A family history of breast conditions, including cancer, may increase the likelihood.

Previous Breast Conditions: Benign breast lumps or fibrocystic changes may elevate risk.

Breast Trauma or Surgery: Prior injury or surgical procedures can contribute to duct changes.

Diagnosis 

Clinical Examination: A doctor will evaluate any lumps, discharge, or changes in the breast.

Mammogram: Identifies masses or abnormalities within the breast ducts.

Breast Ultrasound: Helps visualize the papilloma and determine its location and size.

Nipple Discharge Analysis: The fluid is examined to rule out infection or malignancy.

Ductography (Galactography): A specialized imaging test where dye is injected into the duct to locate blockages or growths.

Core Needle Biopsy or Excisional Biopsy: Confirms the diagnosis and rules out cancer.

Treatment Options

Microdochectomy: The duct containing the papilloma is removed to alleviate symptoms and ensure it is benign.

Wide Excision: In cases of multiple papillomas or atypical cells, broader tissue removal may be recommended.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting both women and men, though it primarily affects women. It occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Symptoms

Lump in the Breast or Underarm: A firm, painless mass or lump that may be felt through the skin.

Changes in the Size or Shape of the Breast: A noticeable difference in the appearance of the breast, such as swelling, shrinkage, or asymmetry.

Nipple Changes: Nipple inversion (turning inward), redness, pain, or discharge other than breast milk, especially if it's bloody.

Skin Changes: Redness, dimpling, or puckering of the skin of the breast, often described as looking like the skin of an orange (peau d'orange).

Pain in the Breast: Although breast cancer is often painless, some people may experience discomfort, especially as the tumor grows.

Swelling or Pain in the Armpit: Swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone.

Risk Factors

Gender: Women are at a higher risk than men, though men can also develop breast cancer.

Age: The risk increases with age, especially after 50.

Family History and Genetics: A family history of breast cancer, especially in first-degree relatives, can increase the risk. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes also significantly elevate risk.

Personal History of Breast Cancer or Other Cancers: Women who have had breast cancer in one breast are at higher risk of developing it in the other.

Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), or prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase risk.

Reproductive History: Having no children or having a first child after age 30.

Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to radiation, particularly during childhood or young adulthood, increases breast cancer risk.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity may increase the risk.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese after menopause increases the risk due to higher levels of estrogen.

Diagnosis

Clinical Breast Exam: A healthcare provider will manually check for lumps or abnormalities in the breasts and underarms.

Mammogram: A routine X-ray of the breast to detect early signs of breast cancer, such as lumps or microcalcifications.

Breast Ultrasound: Used to further investigate abnormal findings on a mammogram or to differentiate between a cyst and solid mass.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scans are used for women at high risk or to get detailed images of the breast tissue.

Biopsy: A sample of tissue from the suspected tumor is taken (via fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy) and examined under a microscope for cancerous cells.

Genetic Testing: For women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing can help identify mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Blood Tests and Other Imaging: In some cases, blood tests (such as tumor markers) and imaging (like CT or bone scans) may be used to check for metastasis (spread of cancer).

Treatment Options

Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue, preserving the rest of the breast.

Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, sometimes including nearby lymph nodes, depending on the cancer's stage and location.

Lymph Node Removal (Axillary Lymph Node Dissection): Involves the removal of nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.

Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and kill cancer cells, typically after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

External Beam Radiation: Most common method, where radiation is directed from outside the body.

Brachytherapy: A form of internal radiation where radioactive material is placed directly into or near the tumor.

Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy can be administered before surgery to shrink tumors (neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant therapy).

Side effects often include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and weakened immunity.

Tamoxifen: Blocks estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells to prevent the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors.

Aromatase Inhibitors: Used to lower estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, preventing cancer cells from receiving estrogen.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs attack specific features of cancer cells, such as proteins or genes that promote cancer growth. For example, HER2-targeted therapies (like trastuzumab) are used for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Immunotherapy: A newer approach that boosts the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This may be used in combination with other therapies.