乳房囊腫非常常見，但是乳房囊腫定義廣闊，有各種各樣的適應症屬於這一類。絕大多數乳房腫塊是良性、非癌性的，不會造成任何緊急或嚴重的健康問題。
不同類型的乳房腫塊
乳房腫塊的診斷往往會引起病人對乳腺癌可能性的過度恐懼。事實上，腫塊癌變的可能性很低：大約80%的乳房腫塊是良性、非癌性的。一般最常見的良性乳房腫塊為纖維腺瘤和乳腺囊腫。其他病狀，例如膿腫，脂肪壞死或硬化性腺病，均可定義為乳房組織中的良性腫塊。
The difference between a fibroadenom and a cyst
Fibroadenoma are solid and firm nodules which often develop during puberty and thus are most commonly seen in young women. However, they can also develop in later years, even in men, though this happens rarely. The lumps can often be felt as smooth structures which can be easily moved under the skin. Fibroadenoma usually grow to 1-3 cm (0,4 – 1,2 inches). Occasionally they can grow to more than 5 cm (2 inches), bur whatever their size, they are benign and harmless. However, the larger ones can sometimes cause pain, most commonly just before a period.
Breast cysts are also a benign. Nevertheless, they are not the same as a fibroadenoma. Cysts are fluid-filled areas or bags within the breast tissue and can either feel soft or hard. Cysts are more common at a later age compared to fibroadenoma and usually occur between the age of 35 – 50. Often, cysts appear in multiples and can occur in one breast or both.
It’s not fully clear how they develop, even though it is assumed that it’s partly because of natural changes if the breast tissue with age and blocked milk glands. Similar to fibroadenoma, cysts can vary in size and can range between just a few millimeters up to several centimeters. Symptoms tend to be similar, resulting in some discomfort and pain, especially prior to a period when cysts can also become larger and feel sore.
Can fibroadenoma grow?Treatment of fibroadenoma and cysts
In many cases, both fibroadenoma and breast cysts do not require any treatment. Especially when they are not causing any major discomfort, anxiety or pain.
If a cyst is causing pain, the typical treatment is the removal of the fluid with the aid of a small needle. Once the liquid has been removed, the cyst tends to collapse and disappear. In some cases, cysts can refill and will require repeat treatment,
Symptomatic fibroadenoma can be removed by surgery or an excision biopsy, especially if it has become enlarged. Other effective treatments are vacuum assisted biopsy, which uses a syringe and a vacuum to “suck” the fibroadenoma out of the tissue. Echotherapy which is a non-invasive treatment using ultrasound.
Sometimes fibroadenoma can have a cystic part, in this case doctors might speak about a mixed nodule.