They are caused by dilated ducts and are oval or round, smooth and firm, and they move slightly when you press them.

Women in their 40s who are approaching menopause often detect them as they experience fluctuating hormone levels. Breast lumps caused by cysts feel hard and tender to the touch. Cysts appear most often during the two weeks before your period and resolve spontaneously after your period. Any associated breast pain usually goes away as the cyst resolves.

A breast lump caused by a cyst may resolve on its own. If the breast lump disappears after your doctor removes the fluid, and it doesn't return after six weeks, you won't need any further treatment. If the breast lump doesn't disappear on its own, or it recurs, you may need to have it surgically removed.

Breast cysts may be drained in the doctor's office. If the fluid removed is clear or greenish, and the lump disappears completely after it is drained, no further treatment may be needed. However, if the fluid is blood stained, then it needs to be sent to a laboratory to look for cancer cells.

Milk cysts (sacs filled with milk) typically occur if you are breastfeeding or have recently given birth. These may become infectious and can turn into an abscess. 

Treatment of a breast lump depends on the cause. Cysts can be drained. Breast infections require antibiotics.

Common Presentations