recurrent painful breast cyst

I am 49 years old, post-menopausal, never taken hrt. I have had numerous breast cysts. I also breast-fed for 8+ years. Last year one of my oldest and largest cysts became very painful. I had 40cc's of milky white fluid aspirated by a surgeon. The next day I had 60cc's of fluid aspirated by another doctor (the surgeon refused to see me- said the cyst couldn't have returned that quickly). I was given an antibiotic and told to come back if needed. The cyst became painful again 4 months later. Again I had it aspirated. There is a deep more fibrous mass under it. Now my surgeon wants to remove and biopsy. It will mean removing quite a bit of tissue and will be moderately disfiguring. The mass is in the upper inside quadrant of my left breast. I have had regular mammograms that are all negative. Ultrasound has always indicated only cysts. Culture of the fluid from my cyst is negative for bacteria, cytology is negative for malignancy. Fluid is full of leukocytes. What could cause the sudden filling of my cyst? Is antibiotic treatment advisable with negative culture reports? Is there a good reason for me to undergo general anesthesia and disfiguring surgery for a benign problem?
Thank you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear cosdep: Although cysts are almost always benign, there can be reasons to investigate further.  For example, some may operate after a cyst has recurred multiple times.  Also, cysts can sometimes mask a lump.  If there is a lump (you mention a solid more fibrous mass) then further investigation, in the form of some type of biopsy may be warranted.  As we are unable to make recommendations in the absence of physical evaluation
and review of your films, you may find that a second opinion with a breast specialist will be more helpful to you in getting your questions answered.