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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of breast cysts include:
- A smooth, easily movable round or oval breast lump with distinct edges
- Breast pain or tenderness in the area of the breast lump
- Increase in breast lump size and breast tenderness just before your period
- Decrease in breast lump size and resolution of other signs and symptoms after your period
Having one or many simple breast cysts doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer.
When to see a doctor
Normal breast tissue in healthy women often feels lumpy or nodular. If you detect the presence of any new breast lumps, however, or if a previously evaluated breast lump seems to have grown or otherwise changed, make an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out.
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp?sitearea. Accessed April 7, 2010.
- Lucas JH, et al. Breast cyst aspiration. American Family Physician. 2003;68:1983.
- Sabel MS. Overview of benign breast disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Courtillot C, et al. Benign breast diseases. Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia. 2005;10:325.
- Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Laronga C, et al. Breast cysts: Diagnosis and management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Miltenberg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Pruthi S, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: A randomized pilot study. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 2010;15:59.
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