For cysts that continue to cause discomfort, your doctor can drain the cyst or surgically remove it. Fibrocystic breast syndrome is when women develop breast pain and tender nodules throughout their breast tissue. A complex cystic and solid breast mass, also known as a complex breast cyst, is a morphological type of breast cystalong with simple breast cystsand complicated breast cysts. A complex breast cyst may require a biopsyand drainage to check the cells, a procedure designed to determine whether the cyst is cancerous. You may have some bruising and tenderness afterward. They can present as lumps noted in breast tissue . Microcysts are tiny and may only be spotted under a microscope. If youre concerned about your breast cancer risk or have a family history of breast disease, talk with your doctor about how and when you should get screened, and if there are any other precautions you should take. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Fibrocystic changes in the breast. Macrocysts, on the other hand, may span from 1 to 2 inches. About 50% of women age 30 and over develop breast cysts, also called fibrocystic disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. American Cancer Society. Though they tend to be more common among women between the ages of 30 and 50, breast cysts can develop at any age. Doing this in a shower when your skin is wet may make it easier to feel your breasts. You should see your GP if you think your cyst has returned or you think you have a new one. Breast ultrasound. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Sometimes, cysts can develop in the breast. American Cancer Society. Cysts are rarely cancerous (malignant) and may be caused by blocked breast glands. Symptoms of a cyst in the breast. 1 Self-exams each month may be helpful in identifying the lumps, but an exam done by a healthcare provider is needed to find out for sure what's going on in your breast. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help While breast lumps are common in women (and possible but less-so in men), most are not cancerous or life-threatening. 3. The quality of primary studies and extracted data on cancer detection was assessed. A solid-appearing mass most likely is a noncancerous lump, such as a fibroadenoma, but solid lumps also could be breast cancer. A breast cyst, on the other hand, tends to have smooth edges and may feel more like a grape. Benign breast diseases: Classification, diagnosis, and management. (2019). Noncancerous breast tumors are made up of abnormal cells. The site is secure. Breast cysts are a benign (not cancer) condition. In: Harris JR, Lippman ME, Morrow M, Osborne CK, eds. Some doctors prescribe hormones, such asoral contraceptives (birth control pills), tamoxifen, or androgens. If you do have a breast cyst or cysts, you will not usually need any treatment or follow-up. Complex cystic If you notice that the lump has a thick outer wall or solid components, your doctor will likely request a breast biopsy to check for signs of cancer. Although you can develop breast cysts at any age, theyre most common in women over 35. If the echogenic component is mobile it represents debris, pus, or a clot. A simple cyst is no cause for concern and doesnt necessarily need to be treated. Complex breast cysts were estimated to be reported in approximately 5% of breast ultrasound examinations. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal Our patients depend on blood and platelet donations. Try to do a self-exam once a month, around the same time each month. (2007), Venta LA, Kim JP, Pelloski CE. 2. The majority show posterior acoustic enhancement due to the cystic component 5. For more serious symptoms, some doctors may prescribe hormones, including oral contraceptives, tamoxifen and androgens. is one call away.appointments in as little as 24 hrs. Breast cysts and breast cancer: How can you tell the difference? Are Inverted Nipples a Sign of Breast Cancer? Complex breast cysts are defined as cysts with thick walls, thick septa, intracystic masses, or other discrete solid components. N Engl J Med. Chapter 4: Management of the palpable breast mass. Be prepared for your doctor to ask questions about your breast cysts at your visit, including: Your multidisciplinary team will work with you to develop a personalized plan to treat your breast cancer in a way that fits your individual needs and goals. Therationale indicatedinthesonography re-ports forperforming a6-month follow-up study included aprobablecomplexcystora complex cystormass withhigh-probability be-nignfeatures. While there are some telltale differences between a cyst and a tumor, these differences can be subtle. Can breast cysts be prevented? Complex breast cysts are the most concerning. Sometimes breast lumps develop that are benign (noncancerous). In104ofthesecomplex cysts, findings fromthe6-monthfollow-upstudyre-vealed thelesiontobestable . If you have breast symptoms that aren't improving or are getting worse, it's important to see your doctor for further evaluation. Before a period, cysts may become larger and feel sore and tender as hormone levels change. Does a breast cyst increase my risk of breast cancer. ECR 2019 / C-3007 https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2019/C-3007, malignant papillary lesions of the breast. However, its still important to be breast aware and go back to your GP if you notice any changes in your breasts, regardless of how soon these occur after your cyst or cysts were diagnosed. Are you experiencing breast pain? Other ways to avoid breast cysts and cancer include making healthy lifestyle choices and/or taking medication. One of the best ways to prevent breast cancer and care for your breasts is to be aware of how they look and feel and to check routinely for any changes. These lesions carry a malignant potential between 23-31% and thus require further evaluation with biopsy [1]. Anexceedingly rare entity that may pose adiagnostic dilemma. Its one of the conditions known as fibrocystic breast disease, which includes fluid-filled cysts. Venta LA, Kim JP, Pelloski CE et-al. The University of California San Francisco Health. Log in to our secure, personalized website to manage your care (formerly myMDAnderson). Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. aspiration or draining the cyst with a fine needle to see if the fluid contains any blood or unusual cells. Fibrocystic breast tissue is a very common condition and means that you have denser breast tissue and may notice lumps and bumps that are common to the feel of your breasts. Symptoms Women with cysts may notice their breasts feel more painful before menstruation. But you may also discover a large breast cyst on your own. Review of complex breast cysts: implications for cancer detection and clinical practice. How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)? These symptoms tend to be worse just before your menstrual period, and they may change (such as the lumps growing or shrinking) during differentstages of your menstrual cycle. Some cysts are so small that patients dont feel a lump. But it does mean that you should follow up with your doctor. Tumors, however, can be either benign or malignant. Breast Dis. Cysts in the breast are also more common in women close to menopause, the time when periods have stopped for 12 months in a row, signaling the end of menstrual cycles. What breast changes should you look out for? You may need the cyst removed if it's growing too large, is painful, or is causing some other problem. Paredes ES. This may be especially true if theyre taking menopausal hormone replacement therapy, which is meant to reduce the symptoms of menopause and long-term biological changes, including bone loss. These procedures may help to confirm the diagnosis by collecting fluid and/or tissue. Weve invested more than $5 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more and better treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients quality of life. They may recommend medications or other treatments. Yao JP, Niu LJ, Wang Y, Geng CY, Chang Q, Chen Y, Zhu L. Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi. For many patients, breast cysts dont have symptoms: Only about 7 percent of women have a breast cyst that may be felt with the hand. We report six cases in which patients were found to have a complex solid and cystic . (2019). Radiographics. A lot of women will always have breast cysts, but wont necessarily have any symptoms related to them. If the fluid is blood-stained, it will be sent to a laboratory for testing. In addition to tenderness and, possibly, one or more lumps, they may also experience nipple discharge that is clear or slightly cloudy. Breast cancer stages. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Breast cysts: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. UpToDate. If the patient is experiencing pressure and breast pain, doctors may drain the cyst, removing fluid and cells through the FNA process. Assuming there are no other factors at play, such as genetic mutations or inheritable conditions that might make someone more likely to develop cancer, these women will have the same level of risk as the average person. Together, were making a difference and you can, too. For complicated or complex breast cysts, you may need more frequent checkups to keep tabs on any changes. Actually, yes. A cyst also may be drained if its size is likely to interfere with a clinical breast exam. In most cases, breast cysts do not require treatment unless they are large and painful or uncomfortable. 2006 May;186(5):1335-41. doi: 10.2214/AJR.05.0005. UpToDate. Sabel MS. Clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and clinical evaluation of a palpable breast mass. At the time the article was last revised Daniel J Bell had no recorded disclosures. Whats the most important thing women should know about breast cysts and cancer? Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/24/2020. They may also be caused by caffeine, but not enough research is available to confirm this. Atlas of mammography. How is breast cancer diagnosed? Lindfors KK, OConnor J, Acredolo CR, Liston CE. Only 3% to 6% of breast lumps are due to breast cancer. In some cases, these cysts can be painful and require aspiration (fluid removal) if the mass is large and is causing problems. The specific causes of breast cancer are not entirely understood. I have grade 3 invasive carcinoma I am totally gutted! https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions/fibrosis-and-simple-cysts-in-the-breast.html, Non-cancerous tumors of the breast. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. 7. Golshan M. Breast pain. (2014) Diagnostic and interventional imaging. Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer? 17 Aug 2018 15:26 in response to Moderator Steph. A few common signs of a breast cyst may include: A soft or hard texture; A round and smooth oval shape; Easy to move under your skin; It should be . It can occur in both breasts and it is diffuse. A galactocele is also a fluid-filled sac, but its just a clogged milk duct. With a firm touch and a small circular motion, feel for abnormalities in your breast, starting at the nipple, and spiraling outward. When this happens, the cancer cells can spread to distant organs. Breast cysts, or sacs of fluid in the breast tissue, are one of the most common noncancerous breast lumps. They may seem to appear overnight. A highly aggressive invasive ductal carcinoma from a complex cystic breast mass and BI-RADS assessment: A case report. Automated Breast Volume Scanning: Identifying 3-D Coronal Plane Imaging Features May Help Categorize Complex Cysts. The free resource,3 Steps to Early Detection, can increase your chance of finding breast cancer before it spreads. The milk glands are surrounded by fibrous support tissue and fat, known as breast tissue. Breast cancer signs and symptoms. Getting an accurate diagnosis for a breast lump is extremely important as treatment options vary considerably. (2019). Has the size of your breast cyst changed over time? What is a breast cyst? Surgery might be an option to remove cysts that continue to come back and cause symptoms. 9. Simple cysts are supposed to have thin walls and contain only clear fluid. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Monthly hormone changes often cause cysts to get bigger and become painfuland sometimes more noticeable just before the menstrual period. Because breast cancer and cysts can look similar, tests are designed to differentiate between the two. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. MeSH Sometimes you can feel them, especially if they become painful a few days before your menstrual cycle. Some link them to caffeinated foods and drinkscoffee, tea, soda and chocolate. About 99% of breast cancers will not cause any pain. While lumps are usually noncancerous, they can be life-threatening, and early diagnosis helps with treatment and outcomes. SIAM J Imaging Sci. The vast majority of breast cysts about 70% will go away on their own. Imaging may be followed by a FNA or CNB. What are breast cysts? However, the fluid could come back. The currently preferred term for complex breast cysts is complex cystic and solid massto avoid confusion with a complicated cyst. If a person has complex or complicated cysts in their breast, there is a slight risk that the solid mass in the cyst may contain . Most cysts go away by themselves and are nothing to worry about. PMC If you are ready to make an appointment, select a button on the right. For148ofthe308complex cysts,a6-month follow-up imaging study wasrecommended. This test can help your doctor determine whether a breast lump is fluid filled or solid. Ultrasound imaging and additional imaging using X-Ray, called spot imaging, can help the radiologist differentiate shapes of masses. Depending on her age, that process could involve a diagnostic mammogram and/or a breast ultrasound. Fibrocystic changes in the breast are thought to be natural, so generally no treatment is needed unless they are causing discomfort. You may have one cyst or many cysts that appear together. 1 While breast lumps are common in women (and possible but less-so in men), most are not cancerous or life-threatening. 5% of breast ultrasound examinations report complex cyst 7. If so, taking pain relief like paracetamol should help. Before you finish, gently squeeze your nipple to check for any discharge. 1999;173 (5): 1331-6. Cysts happen in response to normal female hormones and theres no known way to prevent them. Theyre one of the most common causes of a breast lump, and can develop in either one or both breasts. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have unraveled the processes that give astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell in the brain, their special bushy shape, which is fundamental for brain function. 2023 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. (2018) Medicine. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.32112, The differences between a breast cyst and a tumor. Stand unclothed in front of a mirror. The cysts often enlarge and become sore just before your period. Women with cysts may notice their breasts feel more painful before menstruation. But theseare usually given only to women with severe symptoms because they also can haveserious side effects. Generally, breast cancer is hard with rough edges, while breast cysts tend to be softer, with smooth edges. Breast Cyst vs. 2010 Sep;48(5):931-87. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2010.06.007. Some authors find that the complex cystic lesions have 23% up to 31% risk of malignancy 4, while others estimate the risk as 0.3%4. Post Gadolinium enhancement as well as subtraction images show moderate amount of background parenchymal enhancement. Both breast cysts and cancer can be diagnosed with physical exams and testing, such as a mammogram, ultrasound, and aspiration or biopsy. While performing your regular breast self-exam, make note of any lumps or bumps you identify and consult with your doctor. Complex cystic breast masses: diagnostic approach and imaging-pathologic correlation. Appropriate categorization is important because the management of each type differs. Though cysts are common, always have your healthcare provider check out any new lumps or bumps you find. Sometimesmammogramsof women with fibrocystic breast tissue may be more difficult to read and interpret. Youre more likely to get breast cysts if you are: The exact cause of breast cysts is still unknown. Do you have a family history of breast cancer? However, fluid can be drained if cysts are uncomfortable or painful and can be emptied multiple times if fluid returns. What does it take to outsmart cancer? Nearly all simple cysts are just that simple. Its a normal physiological process. (2020). National Breast Cancer Foundation. We went to breast surgical oncologist Ana Paula Correa Refinetti, M.D., for answers. Key statistics for breast cancer. Read our. Complex cystic: masses are characterized as "suspicious" (BIRADS category 4).The chance of malignancy is 3-95%. Simple cysts are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Accessibility Thirteen to 21 percent of these cysts turn out to be cancerous. At the American Cancer Society, we have a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. It can occur in both breasts and it is diffuse. J Ultrasound. A tumor can be benign or cancerous (malignant). Complex cysts have irregular or scalloped borders, thick walls, and some evidence of solid areas and/or debris in the fluid. (2007) ISBN:0781764335. Painful, especially before your menstrual cycle. Its unclear why cysts develop. 48 (5): 931-87. Its hormone-driven. swelling, redness, or soreness of the breast, skin on the breast thats dimpled, flaking, or thickened, swollen lymph nodes under your arm or around your collar bone. What does a breast lump feel like? There is also a change in the ratio of milk glands to fatty tissue as women get older. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-differential-diagnosis-and-clinical-evaluation-of-a-palpable-breast-mass on October 27, 2021. Preference cookies enable a website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, like your preferred language or the region that you are in. Breast cancer signs and symptoms. Diagnostic management and anatomopathological correlation. Your gift will help support our mission to end cancer and make a difference in the lives of our patients. Management of complex breast cysts. Instead of dying off, they produce more abnormal cells, forming tumors that can push into healthy tissue. Sometimes this is done using ultrasound to help find the cyst. On rare occasions, complex cysts are cancerous or increase the risk of breast cancer later. Complex masses are classified as ACR4 and require histological verification by percutaneous biopsy and/or , fat necrosis, fibrocystic . Signs and symptoms of a breast cyst include: A smooth, easily movable round or oval lump that may have smooth edges which typically, though not always, indicates it's benign Nipple discharge that may be clear, yellow, straw colored or dark brown Breast pain or tenderness in the area of the breast lump The good news is that these cysts are almost always harmless. A highly aggressive invasive ductal carcinoma from a complex cystic breast mass and BI-RADS assessment: A case report. Studies have not founda clear link between these stimulants and breast symptoms, but many women feel that avoidingthese foods and drinks for a couple of months is worth trying. 2. Simple fluid-filled cysts form from fluid buildup in the breast glands. Breast cysts are most common for women who are premenopausal, which typically describes those who are about age 30 to 50. In most of these studies, subjects have been selected on the basis of progress to intervention, which would overestimate the likelihood of malignancy. This tissue gives breasts their size and shape. This site uses different types of cookies. Fibrocystic breast changes don't increase your risk of developing breast cancer later in life unless you have a family history of both fibrocystic breast changes and breast cancer. 95 (2): 169-79. American Cancer Society. They only happen rarely in someone whos not lactating or recently stopped. https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam, The American Cancer Society Medical and Editorial Content Team. But regular self-exams and routine mammograms are good ways to manage overall breast health. They are usually benign (noncancerous). Breast cancer is more likely to be a very hard lump, and the edges tend to be irregular. Very often, these lumps turn out to be fluid-filled cysts. Collins LC, Schnitt SJ. and transmitted securely. (n.d.). Oncologist. Epub 2015 Dec 29. There is a small chance complicated cysts and complex cystic and solid masses might contain cancer or put you at higher risk of breast cancer later on, depending on what is found on a biopsy. Try to follow a pattern so you cover your entire breast. A 2019 study found that 30 percent of breast cancer cases were in people who had a history of benign breast disease. Breast cysts are usually watched but not treated, while breast cancer usually is treated with surgery, radiation, or other options depending on its progression. However, these may have serious side effects, so theyre typically reserved for more severe cases. Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer? However, for some women under 40 mammograms may still be needed to complete the assessment. Neuronal activity shapes the development of astrocytes. A study published on Thursday in JAMA Oncology adds a new twist, finding that. Guray M, Sahin AA. It is important to remember that most breast lumps do not cause harm, but it is still important to get them checked by a medical professional. Breast cancer cant usually be prevented, but you can take three important steps to help detect it earlier. In: Harris JR, Lippman ME, Morrow M, Osborne CK, eds. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. Movable breast lumps arent usually cancerous. Digital mammograms allow the radiologist to change to contrast of light and dark and to enlarge areas of the breast tissue on the screen to more closely examine areas of concern. Even so, its important that you see your doctor about breast lumps so you can get the right diagnosis. 2014 Oct;5(4):186-91. doi: 10.4103/0976-7800.145164. One look at this, and I know its not cancer. This is particularly true among people in their 40s who were assigned female at birth. Unable to process the form. But its important to have all breast lumps examined by a doctor. Found a lump or unusual spot on your breast during a self-exam? The quality of primary studies and extracted data on cancer detection was assessed. Admittedly this is a huge range, and more details would be necessary to determine where along the spectrum your lesion is.If it is mostly cystic it is probably of lower suspicion but may still need biopsy, most easily done with . The Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center provides cancer risk assessment, screening and diagnostic services. Simple cysts do not increase a person's risk of breast cancer. Women who have hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may still get cysts. A tumor can be cancerous or noncancerous, and usually requires treatment. Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer? Some womenreport that their breast symptoms improve if they avoid caffeine and other stimulantsfound in coffee, tea, chocolate, and many soft drinks. Cysts that are painful can be drained using a thin, hollow needle, which might be done to confirm the diagnosis. Breast cysts are fluid-filled round or oval sacs, similar to blisters, that form within the breast. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! While there is no guaranteed way to avoid breast cancer, there are things you can do to make it less likely. They may also be a cause of other breast symptomsfrom pain to, potentially, nipple discharge. (2017) Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. Finding a breast lump can be scary. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Hormone therapy uses estrogen and sometimes progestin, a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone. Five to 10 percent of women need surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. Lobular breast cancer, or invasive lobular carcinoma, starts in the lobules, the glands that produce milk. Learn about clinical trials at MD Anderson and search our database for open studies. Next, lie down and lift your right arm over your head. If the echogenic component is immobile, it may represent either a true intracystic mass or debris adherent to the cyst wall. What is cancer? Ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration. Before Women with this condition report diffuse pain throughout their breasts and multiple small bumps scattered throughout the tissue. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies 75 (12): 1080-5. 5th ed. American Cancer Society. You can call our free Helpline on 0808 800 6000 if youd like more information about any tests you may be having. Breast cysts form when theres a build-up of fluid. Choose from 12 allied health programs at School of Health Professions. Heres how we handle the different categories of breast cysts: Is a breast cyst the same thing as a galactocele? Cysts can be so small (microcysts) that you cant feel or see them without breast imaging. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16398815, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9648763, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC138688/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8270665, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18649871, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10541113, The presence or absence of posterior enhancement (evidence of an intracystic mass). A tumor is any abnormal mass of tissue or swelling. Cysts are common in females aged between 35-50 and are benign lumps. Many breast lumps turn out to be non-cancerous (benign) changesin fibrous tissue (fibrosis) and/or cysts, which together are known as fibrocystic changes. I'm only 31 and have 4 beautiful children. Treatment of fibrocystic changes We explain when to worry, what to do next, and what a lump may mean. A breast cyst is a noncancerous (benign), fluid-filled sac in the breast. See additional information. When to Worry If Youve Found a Breast Lump, What Does a Breast Cancer Lump Feel Like? Breast cancer and breast cysts are diagnosed with a physical exam and testing; they cannot be diagnosed by touch alone. A lump in your breast could be a cyst or a tumor. Only a small proportion of breast cysts occurs in post-menopausal women. Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. Diseases of the Breast. Depending on their sonographic appearance, complex breast cysts may be categorized into four categories using criteria adapted from Berg et al. Last medically reviewed on February 18, 2021. 2011 Jun;14(2):55-65. doi: 10.1016/j.jus.2011.03.002. People with a family history of breast cancer or who are at an increased risk due to genetic mutations can talk with a healthcare provider about genetic testing and prevention options. 2005;353:229-237. Is there any way to treat them? Breast cysts dont usually develop in women after menopause, when estrogen levels taper off. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and Isle of Man (1200). A small needle is used to inject anesthesia into the breast to numb it, making it easier to then have the cyst drained. Microcysts, which are tiny little painless cysts scattered throughout the breast tissue, fall into the simple category. FOIA What causes breast cancer? Treatment and follow-up By continuing, you agree to the terms of our Privacy & Cookies Policies. What are the risk factors for breast cancer? 5th ed. In the rare instances when a cyst is malignant, doctors would use the same therapeutic approaches as for breast cancer. Standard bilateral breast MRI was performed with and without Gadolinium enhancement. Thats why breasts can feel different before, during and after your period. The only possible exception in which a cyst might indicate a slightly elevated risk for cancer is when otherrisk factors for cancer, such as a strong family history, are already present, or when further examination of imaging studies reveals some debris inside or along the edge or margin of it. Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk? If the lump can be easily felt, your specialist may put a fine needle into it and draw off the fluid to confirm that its a fluid-filled cyst. The presence of a thick wall or septa, or an intracystic mass is characteristic of complex breast cysts 2. What are the symptoms of breast cysts? Learn about the differences between breast cancer and breast cysts, their symptoms, causes, treatments, and more. If youre not aware of your breast health, important changes in your breasts can be easy to miss. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are usually noncancerous. Breast cysts usually disappear after menopause.