Cysts and Breast Reduction

[kdic72]

I am scheduled for an ultrasound core biopsy for 9/8.  They found what the radiologist thinks is a cyst due to a breast reduction that I had back in 2000.  There were also 2 little calcifications that they will wait to repeat the mammo in 4-6 months.  Here's the problem with that.  In 2001, I had a mammogram that came back normal.  I got the films and the report from back then (didn't bring that with me to the first mammo because it had come back normal).  I reread that report and know that nothing was found.  Could it be that there is a cyst there from the reduction?  Also, when I have done research about cysts themselves, most places say that a cyst is often felt as a lump.  I haven't had any lumps.  I don't have any pain at all.  Could it be something else?  Help!

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Breast reduction surgery will not cause formation of cyst.  Breast cysts can occur as a result of hormonal changes in the woman’s body.  A surgical procedure like a breast reduction surgery will not cause its formation.  Sometimes, breast cysts can be seen during the actual surgery and is removed.
Perhaps the breast cyst seen on ultrasound is situated deep within the breast tissue and is small enough for it to be palpable.  A breast ultrasound can rule out cystic versus solid breast mass.  
Good luck on your biopsy.  

[madgeOwens]

I can tell you cysts hurt. I have had them over the years and certain times of the month they hurt and other times they do not. Thankfully I am past menopause age now and they are gone.........however I have other things to deal with now......not a nice trade off either...
If the lump they see looks black it means it has fluid in it if it is striated or striped looking and white it has tissue in there with some fluid.  If they think you can wait then they must be pretty sure its a cyst.  If they are bothersome they can drain them with a needle "ouch" that smarts.  Hope this helps.