Have you heard about cysts? Well, if you have, you know that they can occur anywhere in the body. And in women, they may occur in breasts where they are known as fibrocystic breast disease or breast cysts. They are totally different than breast cancer and not at all deadly. But they are painful and their occurrence may make the woman’s life miserable. And so, it’s good to know about them.
The good news is that there is natural cure for fibrocystic breast disease by avoiding chemicals and herbs that mimic estrogen. So, you don’t have to undergo surgery. Here is some information you should know about breast cysts.
What are Breast Cysts?
Breast cysts can be defined as lumps in breast tissue that are formed of a certain amount of fluid. They may be round or oval and are surrounded by a membrane. Cysts containing fluid appear like small water-filled balls or grapes.
Breast cysts occur only in women. As such, breast cysts can occur at any age but they are common during the age of 30 to 40 and are very rare in postmenopausal women who usually are not on hormones like in hormone therapy.
Cysts or cystic fibrosis can be mainly caused by the effects of hormonal changes that further cause metabolic disorders. But even external factors like diet, movement and rest can also be responsible for the development of breast cysts.
Since breast cysts are harmless, treatment is not required usually. However, if any signs of complication are seen, your doctor may consider a surgical procedure. Such signs are in the form of thickening of some sections of the walls. Still, these cysts are most of the times, though not always, benign. Your doctor will perform fine needle aspiration of such a complicated cyst i.e. draining of the fluid from the cyst under local anesthesia. You will need a short-term follow-up after this procedure.
Common Causes of Breast Cysts
The two basic reasons for the development of breast cysts are:
- Overgrowth of connective tissue and glands in milk duct
- Excess estrogen in the body
In each side of the chest, there are 15-20 lobes of glandular tissue, in an arrangement of daisy petals. During pregnancy and lactation, these lobes are divided into smaller lobules. Milk is passed by small milk ducts to the milk container behind the nipples. A deeper layer of connective tissue known as stroma supports this network. When connective tissue and glands overgrow and block milk ducts, cysts develop making them swell up with fluid. The cyst is too small to feel but is visible in visual tests, like ultrasound or mammography. When these cysts are large in size, they put pressure on surrounding tissue causing chest pain and discomfort.
There is some debate in the literature whether or not breast cysts precede breast cancer. Some studies say they do, and some studies say they don’t.
In his book, Dr. Renwin Yee, alias Dr. Peter Eckhart, MD, says that xenoestrogens cause fibrocystic breast disease, and xenoestrogens cause breast cancer. It is not that fibrocystic breast disease leads to tumor formation or is a harbinger of breast cancer. Xenoestrogens cause breast cancer. Xenoestrogens cause fibrocystic breast disease. Fibrocystic Breast Disease is a sign that the patient is exposed to xenoestrogens.
Symptoms of Breast Cysts
Some of the following symptoms of breast cysts can be seen in patients:
- One or more lumps can be felt by patients in their chest. These are pretty smooth, round or oval with definitive edges and easy to move.
- Chest becomes painful, particularly in the lump areas.
- Nipple is clean and dark brown or yellow.
- There is an increase in breast size or pain in breast before menstrual period.
- Breast size suddenly reduces after menstruation.
Is there any Effect on Breast Milk?
Every person’s body is different and there is a different effect of different number of cysts on a woman’s body. If the cysts are large they can press milk ducts thus reducing the flow or milk. Some women suffer from fever and their milk is clogged. In such a condition the patient should see an obstetrician. The option of natural cure for fibrocystic breast disease should also be considered.
All in all, if you find such a lump, don’t panic. Visit your doctor and confirm what it is. If it is breast cyst, it can be easily cured, so you don’t have to worry.
