Hi fafie,
Briefly, simple breast cysts are benign and they do not increase the
risks of developing breast cancer. However, in rare cases, there may
be a malignant growth within (intracystic carcinoma) or near to a
cyst. But to answer your question, "What are the statistical chances
of a breast cyst being malignant?", by itself, the answer is zero.
About 1 in 1,000 cysts may contain a tumor and even fewer a malignant
tumor (0.1%) .
California Pacific Medical Center: Do cysts lead to cancer?:
"Virtually all breast cysts identified as ?simple cysts? by ultrasound
are benign and remain so. It is estimated that perhaps 1 in 1,000
cysts may harbor a tumor (not necessarily malignant). These can
usually be identified by their ultrasound appearance. Women with cysts
are not at greater risk for the development of cancer although this
risk may be minimally elevated if there is a positive family history
for breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter)."
http://www.cpmc.org/services/women/breast/breast_cyst.html#%3Cb%3EDo%20cysts%20lead%20to%20cancer?%3C/b%3E
SunMed.org:
"Intracystic carcinomas are rare (0.1%)"
http://www.sunmed.org/bbd.html
Pathology Associates of Lexington, P.A.: intracystic carcinoma:
papillary: very uncommon
squamous: extremely rare
http://www.palpath.com/brcatype.htm
Additional Links of Interest:
University of Colorado Cancer Center:
"Cysts are not cancerous, however, they may have cancer growing within or near by".
http://www.uccc.info/cancercenter/content/breast/default.asp?index=BreastCancer&title=Buddy%20Check9%20July%202004
Better Health Channel:
"Simple cysts are not cancer and do not change into cancer. However,
in rare cases, cysts may have a cancer growing within them or close to
them."
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Breast_conditions_other_than_breast_cancer?OpenDocument
Ohio Health: Breast cysts:
"Breast cysts are sacs filled with normal breast fluid. This is a
common benign - or non-cancerous - breast condition that does not
increase a woman?s risk for developing breast cancer."
http://www.ohiohealth.com/services/conditionsanddiseases/cancer/breasthealth/healthref/noncancond.htm#cysts
"Having a breast cyst does not increase your risk of breast cancer..."
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/Breasthealth/Breastcysts
American Family Physician: CYSTS:
"A cyst can be diagnosed by ultrasound imaging. A simple cyst is round
or oval in shape with sharp margins and lacks internal echoes but has
posterior acoustic enhancement. A cyst with an irregular wall may
signify intracystic carcinoma or carcinoma adjacent to the cyst, both
of which are rare. A simple cyst can be aspirated if it is
symptomatic. Aspiration can be performed using ultrasound localization
if the mass is not palpable. If the cyst reoccurs, it can be
repeatedly drained if it continues to be symptomatic. Any remaining
mass after cyst aspiration should be further evaluated."
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_3_62/ai_65077462
American Academy of Family Physicians: The Evaluation of Common Breast Problems:
FIGURE 2. Algorithm for the management of breast cysts.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000415/2371.html
I hope this helps and is what you are looking for. If you have any
questions, please post a clarification request *before* closing/rating
my answer and I'll be happy to reply.
Thank you,
hummer
Google Search Terms Used:
Intracystic carcinoma
"breast cysts" malignant
"breast cysts" |
