Print Overview Breast cyst Enlarge image Close Breast cyst Breast cyst A breast cyst, an oval or round fluid-filled sac, may move slightly when you press on it. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs inside the breast. They are usually noncancerous (benign). You may have one or multiple breast cysts. A breast cyst often feels like a grape or a water-filled balloon, but sometimes a breast cyst feels firm. Breast cysts don't require treatment unless a cyst is large and painful or uncomfortable. In that case, draining the fluid from a breast cyst can ease symptoms. Although breast cysts can be found in women of any age, they're more common in women before menopause, typically under age 50. Breast cysts also commonly occur in postmenopausal women who take hormone therapy.Products & ServicesA Book: Beyond Breast CancerA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsBreast cysts may be found in one or both breasts. Signs and symptoms of a breast cyst include: A smooth, easily movable round or oval lump that may have smooth edges — which typically, though not always, indicates it's benign Nipple discharge that may be clear, yellow, straw colored or dark brown Breast pain or tenderness in the area of the breast lump An increase in breast lump size and breast tenderness just before your period A decrease in breast lump size and resolution of other symptoms after your period Having breast cysts doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer. But having cysts may make it harder to find new breast lumps or other changes that might need evaluation by your doctor. Your breasts may feel lumpy and painful when you're menstruating, so it's important to be familiar with how your breasts feel throughout your menstrual cycle so that you'll know if something changes. When to see a doctorNormal breast tissue often feels lumpy or nodular. But if you feel a new breast lump that doesn't go away, gets bigger or persists after one or two menstrual cycles, see your doctor right away. Also see your doctor if you have new skin changes on one or both of your breasts. CausesEach of your breasts contains lobes of glandular tissue, arranged like petals of a daisy. The lobes are divided into smaller lobules that produce milk during pregnancy and breast-feeding. The supporting tissue that gives the breast its shape is made up of fatty tissue and fibrous connective tissue. Breast cysts develop as a result of fluid accumulation inside the glands in the breasts. Breast cysts may be defined by their size: Microcysts may be seen during imaging tests, such as mammography or ultrasound, but are too small to feel. Macrocysts are large enough to be felt and can grow to about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) in diameter. Experts don't know exactly what causes breast cysts. They may develop as a result of hormonal changes from monthly menstruation. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Jan. 09, 2024 Print Show references Laronga C, et al. Breast cysts: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 20, 2020. Fibrosis and simple cysts in the breast. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions/fibrosis-and-simple-cysts-in-the-breast.html. Accessed Oct. 16, 2020. Understanding breast changes. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed Oct. 16, 2020. Townsend CM Jr, et al. Breast. In: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery: The Biological Basis of Modern Surgical Practice. 20th ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 17, 2020. Bland KI, et al., eds. Etiology and management of benign breast disease. In: The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 17, 2020. AskMayoExpert. Benign breast disease. Mayo Clinic; 2020. Golshan M, et al. Breast pain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 20, 2020. Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Oct. 22, 2020. Related Breast cyst Associated Procedures Breast biopsy Breast self-exam for breast awareness Mammogram Molecular breast imaging Needle biopsy Show more associated procedures News from Mayo Clinic When a lump is more than a lump? Oct. 23, 2023, 02:30 p.m. CDT Mayo Clinic Q and A: What is benign breast disease? 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