Cysts in the breast... Not always necessary to remove them.

Women experience an increase in breast tissue during secondary sexual characteristics, and breast cysts (lumps) can form at this time. Sometimes, they want to remove them out of concern that the cysts might develop into cancer.

However, most experts say that the likelihood of developing into cancer is very low and that it often disappears on its own, so there is no need to worry too much. They do emphasize, however, that regular check-ups and self-examinations should be consistently performed for breast health.

Breast cysts occur when the glandular tissue and ductal tissue in the breast change together in response to the cyclical hormonal fluctuations of female hormones, leading to fluid accumulation between tissues. Breast tissue undergoes many changes before menopause, and the incidence of breast cysts is higher during this period. Although it is mainly known to occur between the ages of 35 and 50, breast cysts are observed in women in their teens and twenties at rates ranging from at least 30% to as high as 90%.

Professor Kang Young-jun of the Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery at Catholic University Incheon St. Mary's Hospital said, "Breast cysts develop and regress repeatedly, with about 69% resolving within five years," and "While the likelihood of progressing to cancer is low in most cases, the approach varies depending on the nature of the cyst."

Simple breast cysts rarely develop into cancer. Cysts seldom cause pain or discomfort. On the other hand, if a cyst is a complex cyst containing ▲fluid ▲foreign substances ▲solid components ▲thickened epithelial membrane, it may be cancer. In such cases, a biopsy or follow-up observation after six months is necessary based on ultrasound findings.

Professor Lee Han-byul of the Breast Endocrine Surgery Department at Seoul National University Hospital said, "In this case, the likelihood of cancer being diagnosed is less than 1%, so there is no need to worry excessively," and added, "However, if the fluid extracted is not yellow but appears dark red or blood-tinged, the possibility of cancer should be checked."