Breast Cysts

Overview

Healthcare providers often find breast cysts during routine mammograms that screen for breast cancer. But you may also discover a larger breast cyst on your own. To diagnose a breast cyst, your provider may:

Perform a physical exam to feel the consistency of the lump and note its exact location.
Order an ultrasound of your breast. This will show if the lump is solid or filled with fluid.
Order a mammogram if you’re older than 30 or if you’re due for one.

If you’re at higher risk for cancer, your provider may also recommend a breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This is the most sensitive test to detect breast cancer early in people who are high-risk.

How is a breast cyst aspiration performed?

During needle biopsy (also called an aspiration), a healthcare provider inserts a hollow needle into the cyst. The cyst will collapse as the fluid is withdrawn.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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