| Abstract [eng] |
Justification. Breast cysts are among the most common benign breast changes. Breast cysts are often detected during mammography, as they are typically asymptomatic. Some types of breast cysts may carry a risk of malignancy and mask malignant changes. Therefore, it is important to evaluate them accurately to avoid both unnecessary interventions and delayed diagnosis of oncological changes. Aim. To review the types of breast cysts, their development mechanisms, clinical features, diagnostic and treatment methods, and to evaluate their association with the risk of developing breast cancer, based on the latest publications. Objectives. 1) Describe the types of breast cysts based on their morphological characteristics; 2) review the diagnostic methods for breast cysts – clinical examination, imaging studies, and biopsies; 3) discuss breast cyst treatment strategies – observation, interventional procedures, and surgical treatment; 4) evaluate the possible associations between breast cysts and the risk of developing breast cancer, as well as their differential diagnosis. Methods. A literature review was performed. 58 scientific sources published between 2012 and 2025 were selected from PubMed, Sage Journals, ClinicalKey, and EBSCOhost databases, corresponding to the aim and objectives of the topic. The search was conducted using English keywords and their combinations: breast cysts, breast cancer, simple breast cysts, complex breast cysts, complicated breast cysts, ultrasound, mammography. Results. The development of breast cysts depends on hormonal fluctuations, lobular development, and tissue involution. Breast cysts are often smooth, elastic, mobile, and painless, although increased breast tenderness may sometimes occur. Ultrasound is the first-choice method for diagnosing breast cysts. Based on imaging studies, cysts are classified as simple, complicated, or complex. Simple cysts are fluid-filled oval or round structures without solid components, signs of vascularity, or malignant potential. Complicated cysts are similar to simple cysts, however they contain homogeneous hypoechoic components. Their risk of malignancy is less than 2 %. Complex breast cysts have solid and cystic components. Their risk of malignancy ranges from 23-31 %. Breast cysts should be differentiated from fibrocystic changes, galactocele, inflammatory cysts, abscess, hematoma and oil cysts, as they may appear similar due to their internal content. Some breast tumors can mimic cystic changes (for example: ductal, lobular, intracystic, mucinous carcinoma). Conclusions. 1) Morphology of breast cysts is defined by using ultrasound. Cysts are classified as simple, complicated, and complex cysts based on their appearance; 2) first-choice diagnostic method for breast cysts is ultrasound. For further characterization of lesions, breast MRI is perfomed. If suspicious 8 features are present - biopsy is indicated; 3) If there is no suspicion of malignancy, breast cysts are managed with observation. If malignant changes are suspected (observed cyst growth, emergence or alteration of internal structures), a biopsy is performed and surgical removal of the lesion is considered; 4) breast cysts are usually benign, but complex cysts have 23–31% risk of malignancy. Breast cysts can be similar to benign or malignant lesions, therefore differential diagnosis is important to assess their structure, vascularity and progression. Keywords. Breast cysts, breast cancer, simple breast cysts, complicated breast cysts, complex breast cysts. |
