2022 Paint the Paper Pink

Page 52 2022 PAINT THE PAPER PINK Lincoln Daily News Oct/Nov 2022 A simple cyst is filled entirely with fluid. Simple cysts are not a cause for concern. A complicated cyst is similar to a simple cyst, but it has what looks like ‘debris’ floating in the fluid. Complicated cysts are very unlikely to be cancer, but in some cases a doctor might advise a follow-up exam or a procedure to remove the fluid with a thin, hollow needle, just to be sure. A complex cystic and solid mass has features such as a solid component or thick outer walls. These findings have a higher chance of being cancer, so a biopsy is usually needed to find out for sure. How do fibrocystic changes affect your risk for breast cancer? Neither fibrosis nor simple cysts increase your risk of later developing breast cancer. There is a small chance complicated cysts and complex cystic and solid masses might contain cancer or put you at higher risk of breast cancer later on, depending on what is found on a biopsy. Treatment of fibrocystic changes Fibrocystic changes in the breast are thought to be natural, so generally no treatment is needed unless they are causing discomfort. Cysts that are painful can be drained using a thin, hollow needle, which might be done to confirm the diagnosis. Removing the fluid may reduce pressure and pain for some time. If removed, the fluid might come back later, but cysts may also go away over time. Surgery might be an option to remove cysts that continue to come back and cause symptoms. Most women with fibrocystic changes and without bothersome symptoms do not need treatment, but the doctor might recommend watching the changes closely. If you have mild discomfort, you may get relief from well- fitted, supportive bras, applying heat, or using over-the-counter pain relievers. Some women report that their breast symptoms improve if they avoid caffeine and other stimulants found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and many soft drinks. Studies have not found a clear link between these stimulants and breast symptoms, but many women feel that avoiding these foods and drinks for a couple of months is worth trying. Because breast swelling toward the end of the menstrual cycle is painful for some women, some doctors recommend over-the- counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or other medicines. It’s been suggested that some types of vitamin or herbal supplements might relieve symptoms, but so far none have been proven to be helpful, and some may have side effects if taken in large doses. Some doctors prescribe hormones, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills), tamoxifen, or androgens. But these are usually given only to women with severe symptoms because they also can have serious side effects. If you have breast symptoms that aren’t improving or are getting worse, it’s important to see your doctor for further evaluation.