Consult Super-Specialist Doctors at CARE Hospitals
Updated on 27 November 2019
According to recent statistics, breast cancer accounts for about 14 percent of all cancers affecting women in India, making it the most common type of cancer that Indian women suffer from. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and this highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness and knowing what is breast cancer. During self-examination, however, it is rather difficult to tell apart benign breast cysts from cancerous lumps of the breast. Let us take a look at the two conditions and understand the medical implications of both.
Both breast cancer and breast cysts can present with a noticeable lump in the breast, but there are distinctions between the two conditions. In breast cancer, the lump is more likely to be extremely hard with irregular edges, while a breast cyst typically has smoother edges and may feel akin to a grape. However, it's essential to note that cysts can also occasionally be firm, so the texture alone doesn't definitively indicate cancer.
Here is a breakdown of similarities and differences in symptoms between breast cancer and breast cysts:
While some risk factors for breast cancer and breast cysts overlap, such as an increased risk in women, other causes and risk factors differ between the two conditions.
Although over 80% of breast lumps are non-cancerous, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider if you discover a breast lump, as a cancerous lump can pose a serious threat to life.
Both breast cancer and breast cysts require a combination of a physical examination and diagnostic testing for accurate diagnosis, as they cannot be conclusively identified through touch alone. To differentiate between the two conditions, various diagnostic tests may be employed:
Accurate diagnosis of a breast lump is crucial due to the significant variations in treatment options. Breast cysts are typically left untreated since they are generally benign and tend to resolve spontaneously. However, if cysts cause discomfort or pain, their fluid can be drained, and this process can be repeated if necessary. Monitoring for any potential changes is also recommended.
It is usually difficult to tell apart a breast cancer from a breast cyst through physical examination. Regular self-examination is, however, an important tool in diagnosing both conditions. If your doctor suspects breast cancer, he or she may order imaging tests such as a mammogram or a breast MRI to screen for cancer. If a cyst is found to be benign, the doctor may recommend draining the cyst or may administer internal medication. In rare cases, the doctor may also recommend surgery for the removal of the cyst. In the case of breast cancer, however, lumpectomy or mastectomy is often recommended. Following breast cancer surgery in Hyderabad or any major city in India, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and even radiation may be recommended. The presence of breast cysts does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer but their presence may make it difficult to detect any other cancerous growth of the breast at an early stage. In both cases, it is important to seek medical help as soon as a lump is detected in the breast. It is important to remember that mortality rates due to breast cancer are on the decline primarily due to increased awareness, better screening technologies, and treatment methods available these days.
CARE Hospitals is regarded as the best breast cancer hospital in India, having an expert team of oncologists and cancer specialists who work together in areas of expertise to provide the highest level of patient care.
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