Management

Carcinoma must be excluded.

A discrete lump thought clinically to be a cyst should be aspirated. The lesion is benign if:

• the fluid is not bloodstained
• the lump completely disappears
• the cyst does not refill
• cytology is negative

If the lump is solid, or one of the above conditions is not upheld, mammography or preferably, excision biopsy is indicated.

Pain that is localised, is normally relieved by excision. Pain that is diffuse, cannot be relieved by excision. In these cases, bromocriptine, or danazol, may be helpful.

Reference

1. The American Society of Breast Surgeons. Benign breast disease. Five things physicians and patients should question. Jan 2018 [internet publication].