Breast Cysts

In some women the female hormones can cause balloon-like pockets of fluid to be trapped in the breast tissue. This is sometimes referred to as fibrocystic disease, or cysts. Sometimes these can be felt as lumps and this makes BSE and your doctor's examination more difficult. Cancer can develop elsewhere in the cystic breast, just as it can develop in any woman. Since the lumps caused by cysts make it difficult to perform physical examination, it is especially important to make sure you have screening mammograms annually.

Often, your doctor can extract the fluid from these cysts with a small needle. Surgery isn't necessary in most cases, but sometimes needs to be performed in order to be certain that a small cancer is not also present nearby. Cysts tend to get worse as you approach menopause, particularly if you skip periods. Fortunately, after menopause, when there are fewer female hormones, fibrocystic disease should stop and the breasts will become easier to examine. They may remain cystic, however, if certain medications prescribed by your doctor continue to be taken. If Hormone Therapy is prescribed by your doctor, cysts may return. This can be controlled by taking less of the hormones. Also, sometimes not taking hormones for 5 or 6 days each month will help alleviate the fluid in the breast tissue. Always check with your doctor before adjusting your prescription dosages.

Cysts are most likely to occur between the ages of 40-50, but can occur at other ages. Also, mental stress and worrying can make the fluid retention worse. Discontinuing coffee, tea, cola and chocolate can sometimes cause these lumps to disappear. Although caffeine should be stopped for at least two months to be fully effective, improvement in breast pain and lumps is sometimes noted in as few as two or three days. Stopping caffeine may not get rid of fibrocystic disease entirely, since irregular periods and mental stress can also be associated with cysts, but it usually takes the edge off the worst of the cystic activities. If the cysts are unusually lumpy and painful, it's sometimes necessary to stop drinking even decaffeinated coffee and tea, because the decaffeinating process can't eliminate all the caffeine without removing the flavor; about 10% of the caffeine remains. It may be necessary to use caffeine-free substances such as herbal teas, or caffeine-free colas, which have no caffeine at all.

This page is intended as an educational resource only. It is not a substitute for professional care. Please see your physician if you have any concerns about your own health.

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