What is the difference in breast cancer and a cyst?
448192
A cyst may or may not be a benign tumor. You should see a doctor.
892254
You would be surprised what they can tell from a mammogram.  They can actually tell if this is just dense breast tissue or a cyst or tumor of some sort.  They will probably do an ultrasound on it as well.  If they still can't tell, the next step will either be a needle core biopsy or MRI.  Probably the MRI, this is the most accurate, non-invasive test they have.  I went through this process myself last year.  I suffer from fibrocystic breast disease and have MULTIPLE fibroid tumors in my breasts.  Each of these tumors is benign.  However, I continue to have my annual mammograms where they send me through the entire battery of tests to make sure none of these fibroids have become cancer.  If there is any question whatsoever in your doctors' minds about this lump in your breast, they will biopsy and/or remove it.
40603
Well I guess it all depends on which is worse to you, a scar or the cyst. You have to figure out which one you can live with. Whatever you do, DO NOT squeeze the cyst, it can cause infection to run throughout your body.
699267
No, usually pain in the breasts is not cancer. I had the same problem and it just cysts. You get cysts around the time of your period. If you are worried go see your obgyn.
123198
Could be a benign cyst.  Could be an infected lymph node.  Could be something more serious.  Go to your doctor right away!
122869
Ovarian Cyst Definition\nAn ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops near the surface of the ovary. The ovaries are two small organs on each side of a woman's uterus that produce eggs and female hormones. Mostly an ovarian cyst is small and benign (not cancerous). However, the larger ovarian cyst can cause pain and other problems. A woman can develop one or many ovarian cysts.\n\nOvarian Cyst Causes\nStructures called follicles normally grow in the ovaries each month. They produce hormones and release an egg during ovulation. In some cases, follicles may become cysts. There are two main types: \n\nFunctional cyst – occurs when a normal monthly follicle does not mature properly and the egg is not released. These cysts often go away on their own within one to three menstrual cycles.\nFollicular cyst – can occur after an egg is released. These cysts usually go away on their own in a few weeks.\n\nMost ovarian cysts are functional cysts and only occur during childbearing years. Many other, less common types of benign cysts can also develop from ovarian tissue. For example, women with endometriosis may develop endometriomas. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Endometriomas are cysts that grow from the uterine tissue on an ovary.\n\nPolycystic ovary syndrome is also associated with cysts. Women with this condition have several small cysts in their ovaries.\n\nA very small percentage of women have cysts that are caused by cancer.\n\nOvarian Cyst Risk Factors\nA risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. The main risk factor for ovarian cyst is being a woman of childbearing age.\n\nOvarian Cyst Symptoms\nMost ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms. When they do, pelvic pain and irregular menstrual bleeding are the two most common symptoms. Pain is usually caused by: \n\nDirect pressure from the cysts on the ovaries and surrounding structures. This causes chronic pelvic fullness or a dull ache.\nBleeding from a cyst into and around the ovary. This causes more intense, sharp pain.\n\nPain may come and go on a regular basis. Or, it may become more noticeable just before or after a period or during intercourse.\n\nOther symptoms may include: \n\nUrinary discomfort associated with bladder pressure or irritation\nNausea\nDiarrhea\n\nIn rare cases, an ovarian cyst may become twisted and cut off its own blood supply. This can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. This requires immediate medical attention.\n\nOvarian Cyst Diagnosis\nThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a pelvic exam. This includes feeling the ovaries. ovarian cysts are often found during routine pelvic exams when there are no symptoms.\n\nIf a cyst is suspected or found on physical exam, the doctor may recommend a pelvic ultrasound. This is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the ovaries, from which the doctor can determine the type and size of the cyst, and if treatment is needed.\n\nOther tests or procedures may be used if a cyst: \n\nDoes not go away after several menstrual cycles\nGets larger and more painful\nDoes not appear to be a simple functional cyst\n\nOther tests may include: \n\nLaparoscopy – A thin, lighted tube and other small instruments are inserted through several tiny incisions in the abdomen to look at the ovaries directly, drain fluid from a cyst, or take a sample for biopsy.\nBlood test for the protein CA-125 – This test is done when a cyst is suspected of being cancerous. CA-125 is sometimes elevated in the case of ovarian cancer.\n\nOvarian Cyst Treatment\nTreatment depends on your age, menstrual status, the size and type of the cyst, and your symptoms. The main types of treatment are:\n\nWait and See – This approach involves waiting a few months to see if the cyst goes away on its own.\n\nBirth Control Pills – If you have a functional cyst, your doctor may prescribe bi
781486
I've had many cysts and yes, I get them aspirated and yes, they can (and mine have) filled back up again.  Some cysts have come back numerous times.\n\nI've also had a lumpectomy for breast cancer....7 years ago.
575158
A fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumour (not cancerous). The doctor may give you a local anaesthetic, and then use a fine needle to draw cells from the lump. It will sting for a couple of minutes. This biopsy sample will then be sent t a lab to be tested to make sure it is benign and the lump can then be removed. You may also have an ultrasound or a mammogram. See this site for great info. Good luck!!\nhttp://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=160
87123
You can get it young, but it doesn't sound like a typical breast cancer lump.  My experience was a small hard lump that did not hurt nor was red.  Go to the doctor to be sure.
563875
From the Yahoo Health page on breast cancer:\n\n* A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit that is new or unusual.\n* A change in the size or shape of the breast. \n* Skin changes, such as a dimple or pucker in the skin of the breast. \n* Discharge or bleeding from the nipple that comes out without squeezing the nipple (spontaneous discharge). \n* A change in the nipple, such as a nipple that is now drawn inward (retraction or inversion). \n* Scaling or crusting of the nipple. \n* A change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast or the darker area around the nipple (areola).
234316
Hi again.  That does change things a bit, doesn't it?  A complex ovarian cyst needs to be evaluated further.  A small percentage of these can be cancerous.\n\n"Sometimes cysts are complex, either containing partly fluid elements and partly solid elements or having septations (walls) within a fluid-filled cyst. In general, complex cysts are evaluated further, as some complex cysts may be cancerous. Depending on exactly how the cyst looks on ultrasound, your doctor may recommend blood work, a CT or MRI scan to get a better look at the cyst, or even surgery to remove the cyst. Many times a complex cyst can be evaluated via laparoscopy, but sometimes a large abdominal incision is required."  http://health.ivillage.com/gyno/cysts/0,,4ltl,00.html\n\n"With a complex one they would remove it and evaluate it for ovarian cancer."  http://www.baymoon.com/~gyncancer/library/blqa32septcyst.htm \nIf it was my body, since the cyst is not a simple cyst, I would have it removed.  If it were truly a simple cyst, with NO malignant characteristics on ultrasound, I would leave it and see if it remedied itself.  But, it sounds like there are no guarantees that this mass is benign.  So, in my opinion, it does not matter if it ruptures or not.  A cancer is a cancer, and I would not like to have that uncertainty in my body.
772920
If indeed it is a Cyst, there is absolutely nothing he or you can do.\n\nThere are 3 types of cysts:\n\nLiquid Filled: these are usually on the surface of your skin, face, (Or ACNE). These can be popped, but will leave a scar if you do.\n\nSolid: These are just minor infections and go away after a while. \n\nAir Filled: These are a little more dicey. They often grown on the INSIDE of your body, such as nervous systems, blood streams, etc. They will usually go away from 2 - 8 weeks. However, if this persists, surgery MAY be needed.\n\nCysts aren't the end of the world. They are aggravating, but you won't die from it.\n\nHope this helps.
361502
Abnormal breast shape and size can be harmful to a woman's self esteem. It pays to know what some of the common differences in breast shape and size are. It is also very important to understand that almost no woman has two breasts of identical size and shape in the natural state. The differences are then just a matter of degrees.\n\nThe right versus the left breast of any woman is very often of different size and even a different shape. Although common, these differences are perceptible but not very great. If it is a newly noticed size difference, the first question that should be asked is whether or not there is any solid or cystic growth in one breast that is making it larger than the other. Therefore be sure to visit the doctor, if you haven't already, to be sure that there are no breast masses causing the discrepancy in size.\n\nThe three major determinants of breast appearance are size, shape of the individual breast and the position of the breast and nipple when standing in an upright position. If surgical correction is undertaken with cosmetic surgery, the best success is obtained with correction of size alone. If both size and shape are different, the surgical results are not as good because each breast requires a different surgical procedure
1066667
Do monthly self-exams of your breasts to check for any small lumps.  That is the best early detection, and can help you to treat or remove lumps before they become cancerous or dangerous.  If you find a lump, see your doctor right away to determine if it's cancerous or just fluid (that can happen sometimes too).  Here's a website to help you learn how to do a self-exam:\nhttp://www.komen.org/bse/
835187
They said benign? That means non-cancerous. I've had two lumps removed from my right breast. Both were benign. I'm not sure about the debris. My mammogram tech has never been so detailed. Have you had a sonogram yet? If you feel it-have it removed. It's better to be safe than sorry. Good luck.
457765
Mild pain or tenderness in the breasts is usually associated with menstruation or pregnancy. Pain does not normally indicate breast cancer, however, there have been some cases where it has. I'm not trying to scare you, but you should always be aware of your body and any changes you find. Usually, painful lumps are known as benign cysts, and generally are nothing to worry about, they will go away. If you discover a lump that moves or is stationary, and there is no pain, please, please, please get it checked by all means. My sister-in-law died 2 years ago after she found a lump in her breast. She had a 3 year battle with cancer and lost. She was only 36. Don't smoke, keep drinking down to a minimum and live healthy. I am currently getting checked for a lump I found, and I'm a non-smoker, so always be on the safe side. I know it sounds scary, but if you keep up on your health, you can always find things much sooner than if you ignore it and the sooner you catch things, the better your chances of beating it. Don't get so scared that you don't go. Getting checked can save your life. While you are fairly young, it's never too early for breast screening. Take care of yourself. :)
1164448
It depends which type of cancer you're talking about. You could loose weight. If it involves respiratory system, cough is evident, sore throat, hoarseness, dyspnea. Gastointestinal, abdominal pain, change in bowel habit/pattern, constipation and diarhhea, bloody stool. Genitourinary, bloody urine. For lumps, it could be only a cyst that could easily be excised by the doctor, not all lumps are cancerous.