Breast Cyst vs Cancer: Differentiating the Harmful From the Harmless
Breast health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being for women.
It is not uncommon for women to experience various breast conditions.
These include benign ones like Breast Cysts and the more serious condition like Breast Cancer.
Breastcancer.org states that approximately 25% of breast masses or lumps are cysts, with the majority being noncancerous in nature.
Hence, it is vital to differentiate between these conditions to ensure accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and peace of mind.
This article will highlight these differences between Breast Cyst vs Cancer to understand the two conditions better.
Quick review
Here is a quick overview of the basic difference between Breast Cancer and a cyst.
| Basis | Breast Cyst | Breast Cancer |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Benign | Malignant |
| Prevalence | More common | Less common |
| Age of occurrence | Any age, but typically between 35 and 50 | Generally seen in women over 50 years |
| Lump | Usually has smooth edges, feels like a grape | Usually, a hard lump with irregular edges |
| Changes in the appearance of the cyst | Shape and size might change with the menstrual cycle | Does not change with the menstrual cycle |
| Pain | May cause breast pain or tenderness | Usually not associated with pain, but may cause discomfort |
| Nipple discharge | Clear or yellowish fluid | Bloody or abnormal discharge |
| Treatment | In most cases, no treatment is required | Surgery or oral/ intravenous therapies depending on each individual case |
| Prognosis | Excellent, typically no increased risk of Cancer | Variable, depends on the stage and type of Cancer |
Moving forward, we will explore in detail the various points differentiating Breast Cancer and cysts.
Signs of Breast Cancer vs cyst
While Breast Cancer and cyst may appear as lumps, there are a lot of factors that distinguish the two.
Some such differences in the signs and symptoms are discussed below.
Breast Cysts usually have softer lumps with smoother edges that are easily movable.
Other signs of a Breast Cyst are:
- Pain and discomfort
- Clear, yellow, or brown nipple discharge
- A change in the lump size right before and after your period
A Breast Cancer lump is harder to touch and has rough edges.
Other signs of Breast Cancer which distinguish it from a cyst are:
- Changes in the shape or size of the affected breast
- Changes in the skin, including redness, pitting, or dimpling
- Nipple inversion and discharge
It is advised to consult a doctor if you feel any lump in your breast.
Causes
The reasons that lead to someone developing a cyst in the breast vs Cancer are extremely different.
A Breast Cyst is formed when the glands that produce milk get filled up with fluid.
These cysts appear due to normal changes in the level of Estrogen in the body.
However, Breast Cancer develops due to the division of abnormal cells in the breast.
What begins this process is still not known to the experts, but some risk factors might increase the chances of developing it.
Now that we know that the causes of Breast Cancer span beyond hormonal changes, we will discuss these risk factors in the next section.
Risk of occurrence
While cysts in the breast can appear at any age, they are typically seen in premenopausal women between the age of 35 and 50.
Postmenopausal women who are on hormone therapy also stay at risk of developing these cysts.
In the case of Breast Cancer, many factors increase the risk of occurrence, such as age, genetics, personal or family history, etc.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a Breast Cyst usually starts with your doctor taking your health history, followed by a physical exam.
Your doctor might also order some imaging tests, like mammography or ultrasound, to ensure the lump is a cyst.
If your doctor can easily feel a lump in your breast, they may skip imaging tests and use fine-needle aspiration to drain the fluid and flatten the cyst.
If the fluid that is extracted from the cyst has blood in it or a solid component, your doctor might suggest more tests to ensure it is not cancerous.
However, if your doctor suspects a cancerous cyst on physical examination and imaging tests, they might also suggest a biopsy or an MRI.
Treatment
Breast Cysts are benign and usually do not require any treatment or follow-up.
Most of these cysts disappear by themselves.
In cases they do not, or if they are large or causing discomfort, your doctor would draw out the fluid from the cyst using a syringe (fine-needle aspiration).
Note that although cysts are mostly benign, it is still advisable to get them tested right away by a specialist.
However, the treatment of Breast Cancer is more intense and might involve one or more of the following options.
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Patients being treated for Breast Cancer require palliative (supportive) care and regular follow-up.
Treatment of Breast Cancer is, hence, evidently more strenuous than a cyst, which might not even need treatment in most cases.
Link between Breast Cyst and Cancer
As per the American Cancer Society, having simple Breast Cysts does not raise the risk of developing Breast Cancer.
However, there is a slight possibility that complex cysts could be associated with an increased risk of Breast Cancer.
According to a study conducted in 2019, approximately 30 percent of individuals diagnosed with Breast Cancer had a previous medical history of benign breast disease.
If you have concerns about your risk of Breast Cancer, it is advisable to consult with your doctor regarding appropriate screening methods and frequency.
You can also talk to them to know about any additional precautions you should consider to avoid that risk.
Conclusion
Differentiating between Breast Cysts and Breast Cancer is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Breast Cysts are generally benign and do not increase the risk of developing Cancer.
In most cases, they might not even require any treatment.
Breast Cancer, on the other hand, requires thorough evaluation and intervention.
If you notice any changes or concerns in your breast tissue, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.
By understanding the differences outlined in this article, individuals can be proactive in maintaining their breast health and seeking timely medical attention when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tell if a lump is a cyst or Cancer?
A cyst typically feels smooth, movable and can change in size, while cancerous lumps may be irregular, firm, and fixed. Accurate diagnosis is crucial through imaging tests, such as ultrasound or mammography, and potentially a biopsy, to determine the nature of the lump and guide appropriate treatment.
Is there a link between Breast Cysts and Breast Cancer?
There is no direct link between Breast Cysts and Cancer. While Breast Cysts typically do not increase the risk of Cancer, there is a small chance that complex cysts may be associated with a slightly higher risk of Breast Cancer. Regular screenings are recommended for early detection and appropriate management.
Can Cancer be mistaken for a cyst in the breast?
Yes, Cancer can occasionally be mistaken for a cyst in the breast. While cysts and Cancer can share some similarities in their presentation as lumps or masses, conducting further diagnostic tests, such as imaging and biopsies, is crucial to differentiate between the two and ensure appropriate treatment.
How do you tell if a lump is a cyst or Cancer?
Distinguishing between a cyst and a cancerous lump requires medical evaluation. A cyst is typically smooth, movable, and may change in size, while a cancerous lump may feel irregular, firm, and fixed. Imaging tests like ultrasound, mammography, and biopsy are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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