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Oil Cyst in Breast

Posted by kat9606 @kat9606, Feb 5, 2019

Hi. I had stage 1 ER+, PR+, HER2- breast cancer treated in 2016 with radiation and lumpectomy, currently on exemestane. Margins were clear but have developed a new lump in same breast near prior lumpectomy. Have had Mamograms and MRIs since and radiologists say it’s a benign oil cyst.

Has anyone had what they thought was an oil cyst turn out to be a tumor? I believe I can have it biopsied but they don’t think it’s necessary. On the flipside I’d hate to wait and find out later it was a tumor. But docs say oil cysts are easily identifiable.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 15, 2019

Hey @kat9606, did you decide to have the cyst biopsied? I believe @cindylb talked about having cysts before too.

REPLY
1 reply
cindylb | @cindylb | Feb 15, 2019

Hello Kat9606 - I have had breast cysts throughout my life. When I was younger I found cysts in my breasts (movable, somewhat painful - as they would pull on nerves I suppose). My doctors would aspirate them and they would go away. I also had a fibroid tumor removed about 30 years ago, benign. Lots going on in those breasts. I had a Stage 0 LCIS five years ago, diagnosed via micro calcifications, lumpectomy and clear margins - left breast. 3 years ago I developed a cyst in my right breast and it felt and looked just like a cyst and the doctors said I should just watch it....it was absolutely a cyst but I got worried and insisted on a closer look. During the ultrasound they found my Stage 1 lobular cancer under that cyst. I don't know how common that is but because I'd already had cancer (like you) it seemed like a good idea to check out the cyst anyway. An ultrasound is quick, painless and not terribly expensive and it saved my life. I don't want to panic you BUT........I would request that every odd lump or bump be checked.....I still do every time something seems out of the ordinary.
I had plenty of totally benign cysts and post mastectomy my pathology of the tissue in both breasts showed about every abnormality you can have....so my decision to remove my breasts (for me) was a good move. I had issues from the age of 18 with my breasts.
On the other hand.......my 30 year old daughter found a lump, went to her doctor and it was an oil cyst, completely harmless and it has now gone away.
Tough decisions - but for me.......double checking was a lifesaver and was not really supported by my oncologist (who isn't my oncologist anymore).
If you're worried, press for more information and don't be put off by any doctors who make you feel like you're over reacting. I hope your cyst is absolutely nothing.. Hugs!!

REPLY
1 reply
kat9606 | @kat9606 | Feb 15, 2019
In reply to @cindylb "Hello Kat9606 - I have had breast cysts throughout my life. When I was younger I..." + (show)
@cindylb

Hello Kat9606 - I have had breast cysts throughout my life. When I was younger I found cysts in my breasts (movable, somewhat painful - as they would pull on nerves I suppose). My doctors would aspirate them and they would go away. I also had a fibroid tumor removed about 30 years ago, benign. Lots going on in those breasts. I had a Stage 0 LCIS five years ago, diagnosed via micro calcifications, lumpectomy and clear margins - left breast. 3 years ago I developed a cyst in my right breast and it felt and looked just like a cyst and the doctors said I should just watch it....it was absolutely a cyst but I got worried and insisted on a closer look. During the ultrasound they found my Stage 1 lobular cancer under that cyst. I don't know how common that is but because I'd already had cancer (like you) it seemed like a good idea to check out the cyst anyway. An ultrasound is quick, painless and not terribly expensive and it saved my life. I don't want to panic you BUT........I would request that every odd lump or bump be checked.....I still do every time something seems out of the ordinary.
I had plenty of totally benign cysts and post mastectomy my pathology of the tissue in both breasts showed about every abnormality you can have....so my decision to remove my breasts (for me) was a good move. I had issues from the age of 18 with my breasts.
On the other hand.......my 30 year old daughter found a lump, went to her doctor and it was an oil cyst, completely harmless and it has now gone away.
Tough decisions - but for me.......double checking was a lifesaver and was not really supported by my oncologist (who isn't my oncologist anymore).
If you're worried, press for more information and don't be put off by any doctors who make you feel like you're over reacting. I hope your cyst is absolutely nothing.. Hugs!!

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Thank you Cindylb!! I appreciate your candor

REPLY
kat9606 | @kat9606 | Feb 15, 2019
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hey @kat9606, did you decide to have the cyst biopsied? I believe @cindylb talked about having..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hey @kat9606, did you decide to have the cyst biopsied? I believe @cindylb talked about having cysts before too.

Jump to this post

Hi Coleen. No biopsy yet but I’m watching it closely. Thanks

REPLY
dinahk | @dinahk | May 23, 2022

Thanks for this discussion. I had a double mastectomy 7 years ago due to invasive breast cancer. On my routine yearly check my surgeon found a lump. They sent me to get an ultrasound. The radiologist called the doctor to see if it should be aspirated. Today I was told they agreed it’s an oil cyst. I’m told to see the surgeon in a month and repeat the ultrasound in 6 months. While I’m relieved they aren’t saying more cancer it still makes me nervous that it’s not totally definite. I’m feeling a bit hypochondriacal and anxious.

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