Confused about information

[LibraJT]

Hello,  I am 35 and recently had my first mammography and sonogram.  There is no history of breast cancer in my family, but I have been told by my doctor that I am fibortic (not sure if that is the right term).  The results of the mammogram show there are two cysts in my left breast.  I have been instructed to see a breat specialist to see what, if anything, should be done at this point.  There have been suggestions that aspiration would be a good idea.  There have also been suggestions that unless it is painfull, then action is not necessary.  Two very conflicting pieces of information.  At my exam the technicican said the two lumps were filled with liquid.  Additional information suggests that the shape of the two areas are not consistant with what is typical for cancerous formations.  I guess my point and question is, does aspiration do anything other that remove the liquid and reduce pressure?  Is this treatment doing little more than "ease the mind"?  I guess I am somewhat concerned that aspiration is a knee jerk reaction becuase of overly cautious physician, which believe me is better than the alternative.  Any comments or experiences would be appreciated.  JT

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear LibraJT:  Cysts are almost always benign.  If you have a cyst that was discovered by mammogram and ultrasound, there is no reason to aspirate it unless it is painful or worries you.  Cysts are often aspirated in these situations.

[ev900]

Hi I too have fibrocystic breast and have several cyst in me right now this is the first time I have  pain. My doctor a breast specialist told me that if there is no pain dont mess with them . and he also told me he could aspirate them but to see if they are cancerous he would totally take it out because around the cyst could be cancerous.but not usually so I get the same reaction you got they say its not something to worrie about but then they say they have to check for cancer? but I had this for 4 years now and Im awaiting a mammogram and I worrie so much every year about the same thing. so good luck to you.

[Binkie]

Cysts, fluid filled cysts, are harmless. If you bring your cysts to a doctor , esp. an oncologist, he will aspirate them. Its like this: ask a roofer to come to your home. Then say, "do you think I could use a new roof?" Most would go for it.
If a doctor told me I simply had fibrocysts (as happened once before I caught onto Vitamin E)I'd run , not walk, home.
I read all the time of women who have cysts and their breasts are black and blue from the continual aspirations given (sold)to them by doctors. Don't these MEN get cysts??
It's what they do. Not to ME, understand, but it's what they do.
Best Wishes and get a 2nd opinion if you're worried.

[LibraJT]

Binkie, what brought you to the point of Vitamin E?  What has it done for you and your cysts?  Share more with me.

[Binkie]

About fifteen years ago I found a lump in one breast. At the time, I was selling honeybee products and nothing could scare me.
I had read about Vitamin E curing cysts but wasn't selling that.
I was, however , selling honeybee Propolis. Propolis is gathered by bees to protect the entrance of their hives from intruders and bacteria. It is, in effect, tree sap. The ancient egyptians used it for mummification. To preserve the bodies. So when I found the lump I started taking propolis capsules and E. In a couple of weeks the lump was gone and never returned. To this day I take 800 mg of E daily whenever I can remember and have never had a mammogram. No more lumps, either.

[LibraJT]

Binkie, Hope I am not driving you too crazy....  There are two cysts, one the doctors are definitley not worried about, it is filled with liquid, but the other they say is complex.  In the terms of a normal day person, what does that mean (Complex)?  

[Binkie]

In your first post you didn't mention complex. I have absolutely no idea what that meant. Can you call them in the morning and ask them what it means? The most favorable definition would be
fibrocysts (which I had years ago)instead of a cyst but I really do not know.

[LibraJT]

As I understand it, ther are two.  The one that is complex is behind the one that is filled with liquid.  The liquid mass is not of any concern, but because they can not properly see the other they want to aspiriate both.  I have tenderness that is consistant with my menstral period.  Swelling goes down, and then comes back with my menstral period.  The bottom line, I don't want to go thru all of this if it is not necessary other than to ease the minds of those who have done this mammo/sono.  I read further some of your comments about doctors/clinics being motivated by donations.  I don't want to be "that" statistic.  I want to be informed patient, not an informed consumer.

[Binkie]

As I said, I would suggest you call them up and , asking them to speak in layman's terms, ask them  to define the "thing" they cannot see. Have a pencil ready to write down what she is saying off your chart or xray. Don't let her rush you.
  I have no idea what she meant by complex and you have a right to know. Please report back, Libra. I can see you don't want to be a human pin cushion but sometimes it's necessary. They might make you come in to explain; bring a pen/paper. Good luck!

[seven7]

Hello,   I had a fluid filled cyst about 10 years ago in one breast.  They told me it was harmless, but I should stop using caffeen. I did start drinking only caffeen free colas and coffee.  The next yr. my mammogram showed nothing.  I do not know if the stopping of caffeen did anything to help.  or if the cyst just went away.  

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[RCM]

Hi, I have had my breasts aspirated several times also.  I was told caffine had a lot to do with it.  I was instructed to take Vitamin E, and B Complex and stay away from caffine 100%.  When I do this, I feel great, no more lumps or pain.  I've been doing this for approximately 20 years and have had great results.  I'm 52 now and I don't suffer with hot flashes.  I was told that if you take Vitamin E when you're young, you won't suffer with hot flashes during menopause.  It's working for me.

[ev900]

Hi I too take vitamin E 800 ml and I just stopped caffine the other day because I still have cyst and pain so now I am waiting to see if that helps.Complex cyst need more investigation from what I understand . a simple cyst is ok.look it up it will explain the differences.

[LibraJT]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I had an appointment today with a specialist who eased my concerns. I will be going in on Friday to have two of the cysts apsirated, but the bottom is she is not concerned about these cysts.  I feel much better now, and if anyone needs a good breast specialist in Dallas, I have the name of one.  I will keep you posted after Friday.  Thank you for you kind words of wisdom and support.

[medpa]

Just wanted to mention that after a recent cyst aspiration, my doctor very much recommended that I combine taking "Primrose Oil" tablets with my usual  Vitamin E regimen.  She said the two work in synergy with one another in helping to reduce occurence of cysts.  The regimen starts with taking  3 grams of primrose oil (or 6 tablets if each  500 mg as seems to be the case)  a day for the first 3 months then continuing maintenance doses of 1 gram primrose a day