This ultrasound image shows the subtle differentiation of glandular tissue in a normal breast. This detailed image of normal breast tissue uses panoramic ultrasound imaging. This detailed image was taken after a tumor was removed. This image shows superficial breast ducts. With color visualization, this image shows the small superficial vessels of the nipple.
Simple cysts are typically round or oval and have smooth edges.
Complex cysts can be filled with debris and may sometimes require aspiration to confirm that they are indeed benign cysts. Both single and multiple cysts are very common. The exact causes of cysts are not known, but they do tend to change with hormonal variations, either during normal menstrual cycles or from post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy . Cysts do not become cancer or increase the risk of cancer. Most of the time, cysts may be left alone, but sometimes a physician may drain them with a small needle using ultrasound guidance.