Combined Breast Cyst

[Catarina1]

I am 45 years old with a history of breast cysts. I am scheduled for a biopsy this Friday of a combined cyst and solid mass of .7 cm x .5 cm in size, in my right breast. I have had two mammograms done, one a screening mammo and one a spot compression, that indicates a sharply defined nodule that appears benign in nature. I also had an ultrasound done, which is what indicates that the mass is a combined cyst and solid mass. The ultrasound also indicated that the nodule is lobulated, and it also stated that I had other multiple cysts in my breast. The ultrasound stated that I should consider biopsy in light of the partial solid component of the mass.

In your opinion, what is the likelihood that this nodule could be cancerous? From what I've read on the Internet, the fact that the nodule is sharply defined and lobulated is a good sign. Are partial cysts ever cancerous? How concerned should I be? Thank you for your time.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Catarina1:  In general, cysts are benign.  Complex cysts, or cysts with a solid component, have a slightly higher chance of being associated with malignancy - but this chance is still relatively small.  Based on the mammogram report, it sounds as thought the suspicion for malignancy is low.  The only way to be certain, though, is with a biopsy.

[Catarina1]

Thanks so much for your response. I think I'll feel better and have more peace of mind by having the biopsy. Even though the chances of malignancy are small, I'd rather know for sure what I'm dealing with.