Large Cysts

I am 47 years old. I had a hysterectomy at 36 and am on HRT. At 17, I had a benign tumor removed from my left breast.  My maternal aunt died of breast cancer when she was in her 40s.  I have had annual mammograms since I was 40.  My breast tissue has become very dense and I have developed several small, barely noticeable lumps since being on HRT so, in addition to a mammogram, my doctor has also been performing a sonigram for the past 3 years.  The lumps have always been diagnosed as cysts based on what she sees in the sonigram.  I admit that I do not perform a regular self breast exam because of the many lumps and the anxiety they cause me.  I noticed a very large lump - about the size of a walnut - in my left breast 2 months ago.  A sonigram also revealed this to be a cyst.  My doctor suggested it be drained if it "bothered" me, but I decided to leave it alone.  My left breast is becoming noticeably larger and I am wondering if I should have the lump further tested or have it drained or maybe have it removed altogether.  Should I get a second opinion?  What are the chances of a cyst becoming malignant?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Tenmiss, The information provided by a sonogram is whether a lump is solid or fluid filled (cysts).  Cysts do not change to become malignant.  When the cysts are drained the fluid is routinely sent for examination to check for any abnormal cells, but unless they are bothersome or concerning they aren't always drained.  However, since you are noticing more changes perhaps some further investigation is warranted.  If you decide to get a second opinion you'd want to see a physician who specializes in breast disease.

[healthcareguerilla]

You might also investigate the possibility of stopping the HRT. If you can, there's a possibility that your breasts may stop being dense...NOT being on HRT for menopause, I assure you my breasts are sort of flat and floppy, a state which I highly approve of as that is the natural progression of things, not to mention that it makes mammogram imaging much easier. Also, we do not need to add guilt to our anxiety. I know the feeling about just not wanted to exam my breasts. But then I realize I need to make friends with them again, lumps, cysts, and all. It isn't always easy to just approach a self-breast check without fear, and it can help to grab a bit of oil or lotion and think of it as "This is good. I'm getting to know myself better". (Again, I reference the good advice of Susun Weed...can't help it). The other option is to feel as though our breasts were filled with land mines waiting to explode. What a way to live! And, the thing is, even if we take the negative view, you've gotta agree that it's best to make friends out of "enemies". One of the things Susun Weed reminds us of in her book, BREAST CANCER?BREAST HEALTH! is that cancer is not a foreign invasion, (MY words), these are our own cells growing somewhat wildly. But, tenmiss, none of us should go around worrying more than we need to. If it's a cyst you have, then draining it will make it go away. And, as the medical pro told you, the fluid will be sent to a lab so you'll know just what it is. Since cysts can resolve on their own, perhaps your doctor was just waiting...personally, if I had a large cyst and the doc didn't SUGGEST draining it in a few months, I'd get another opinion and/or another doc. Again, what about the HRT. (Does anyone else feel the need for more humor in all of this ****?)

[healthcareguerilla]

You might also investigate the possibility of stopping the HRT. If you can, there's a possibility that your breasts may stop being dense...NOT being on HRT for menopause, I assure you my breasts are sort of flat and floppy, a state which I highly approve of as that is the natural progression of things, not to mention that it makes mammogram imaging much easier. Also, we do not need to add guilt to our anxiety. I know the feeling about just not wanted to exam my breasts. But then I realize I need to make friends with them again, lumps, cysts, and all. It isn't always easy to just approach a self-breast check without fear, and it can help to grab a bit of oil or lotion and think of it as "This is good. I'm getting to know myself better". (Again, I reference the good advice of Susun Weed...can't help it). The other option is to feel as though our breasts were filled with land mines waiting to explode. What a way to live! And, the thing is, even if we take the negative view, you've gotta agree that it's best to make friends out of "enemies". One of the things Susun Weed reminds us of in her book, BREAST CANCER?BREAST HEALTH! is that cancer is not a foreign invasion, (MY words), these are our own cells growing somewhat wildly. But, tenmiss, none of us should go around worrying more than we need to. If it's a cyst you have, then draining it will make it go away. And, as the medical pro told you, the fluid will be sent to a lab so you'll know just what it is. Since cysts can resolve on their own, perhaps your doctor was just waiting...personally, if I had a large cyst and the doc didn't SUGGEST draining it in a few months, I'd get another opinion and/or another doc. Again, what about the HRT. (Does anyone else feel the need for more humor in all of this ****?)

[satrahan]

I too have all the same symptoms, and problems. Worrying has caused me to be a little dramatic over hrt.  But I feel that I feel so much better and can live a "normal" life with it, that I'm staying on it.  That doesn't stop the worry, though.  I have many cysts, large and small, had one drained(negative), and still wonder about the so called suspious area the radiologist noted needed biopsy, second opinion says to wait and see. density, soreness, never a complete answer, statistics for the overall population that doesn't apply to me, being on hrt for 20 yrs, no childbirths, my age......All these things are working against me and you.  So what's the solution? It is nice to know I'm not alone, but I'm sorry for your problems. Feel free to email me, if you need to talk. S_ANN_TRAHAN***@****
I wrote down everything I needed to ask the dr, and didn't let him out of the room until I was through, Of course, I was still confused, but did get better response from him. He tried his best to reassue me, but still not enough.