This is done by inserting a fine needle into the cyst to draw out the fluid, and is usually a simple and fairly painless procedure. The term 'fibrocystic disease' has been used to describe lumpy, tender breasts. This term is no longer used as it is now known that lumpy breasts are usual for some women. The lumpiness is normal breast tissue containing tiny cysts which usually do not need treatment. About one in 14 Australian women will develop breast cancer before the age of 75 years.
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow out of control.
If untreated, cancer cells in the breast tissue can break away and enter the bloodstream or lymph system to grow in other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain. The views or opinions stated in external resources which are links on this home page do not necessarily reflect those of the National Breast Cancer Centre.