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Classically, the lump is smooth, soft, and moves easily, although if the fluid is under tension, it can feel firm when examined. When cysts become large they can cause a lump that can be felt. Doctors sometimes describe these as “complex cysts”. These may need further testing to confirm they are cysts. Sometimes cysts do not have these typical features and they are difficult to distinguish from solid (non-fluid) lesions just by looking. On ultrasound, they are usually smooth, round and black. On a mammogram, they can sometimes be seen as a smooth, round mass in the breast tissue. Often they are seen on a mammogram or ultrasound study that has been performed for another reason. Most breast cysts are tiny (only a few millimetres in diameter) and they cause no symptoms. All of these factors support the theory that breast cysts are hormonally responsive, although it is not clear why some women form cysts and others do not. Cysts are more common in post-menopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy than in post-menopausal women who do not. They usually disappear after menopause, but in some women they can last throughout life. They are most common in the 30–50 year age group. Studies have reported cysts in up to 50% of women who attend breast clinics. They can come and go, and vary in size during the menstrual cycle.īreast cysts are very common. When a duct becomes blocked, or the amount of fluid produced is greater than the amount absorbed, fluid accumulates which causes cysts.

Fluid is constantly being produced and reabsorbed in the milk ducts in the breast. A breast cyst is a localised collection of fluid in the breast.