- 7% of women will develop a clinically palpable cyst
- Usually occurs in perimenopausal women
- Highest prevalence is 45-55 years
- Cysts are often singular
- May appear suddenly and are frequently painful
- Require triple assessment
- Initial treatment is by simple aspiration

- Cytology should be performed if blood-stained aspirate
- Consider excision if:
- Cyst recurs rapidly or repeatedly
- Residual lump after aspiration
Breast cyst pathology
|
Simple |
Apocrine |
| Lining epithelium |
Simple cuboidal |
Apocrine |
| Na / K ratio |
Less than 3 |
More than 3 |
| pH |
Less than 7.4 |
More than 7.4 |
| Tendency to recur |
Low |
Moderate |
| Association with cancer |
Not proven |
Possible |
Bibliography
Berg W A, Campassi C I, Ioffe O B. Cystic lesions of the breast: sonographic
pathologic correlation. Radiology 2003; 227; 183-191
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