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What Causes Enlargement For Cyst In Breast?

Posted on Fri, 17 Oct 2014

Question: My wife was treated from a rectal cancer stage 1 two years back by surgery and she is now following up here case and two months back she did a CT scan that confirms cysts in the breast we which already know about since 10 years .The last mammogram was done two years back and we are planning to do another one after a month from now . After here last period she felt enlargement in those cysts and she becomes so worried about it , my questions are :
- Can CT scan miss malignant if done two months back ?
- We advised to do mammogram every two years and then every year after 50 , is this correct?
- Can rectal cancer met to Breast ?
- Here blood test two months back are normal , can this test miss something serious going on ?
- Is it possible that the symptoms are related to some changes in Cysts size and shape ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
mostly hormonal influence

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. Followings are my comments:

1) Cyst in the breast or Fibrocystic disease of the breast is NON-CANCEROUS breast lump. It can cause discomfort sometimes & related to hormonal influences from the menstrual cycle. It may enlarge slightly following period due to the effect of estrogen hormone. It DOESN'T require any treatment usually.

2) It should be confirmed through proper clinical examination, mammography and FNAC/ biopsy (if needed). CT scan is NOT the best investigation in this case.

3) Yes, Mammography is a screening test to rule out breast malignancy at early stage. It should be done at 2 years interval up to 50 yrs age and after that, at 1 yr interval. However, she needs proper breast examination and assessment of axillary lymph nodes when she feels some changes. It would be worthwhile.

4) Rectal cancer metastatic to the breast is an exceedingly RARE event. It is NOT the case according to your information.

5) Blood tests are often INCONCLUSIVE to confirm the diagnosis like malignancy. However, normal blood test result gives a rough idea regarding patient profile.

Hope, it helps for your information. Kindly, close the discussion if you don't have any other query.

Wish her good health and take care yourself.

Regards,
Dr S Patra

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (39 minutes later)

Dear Doctor

Thanks for the detailed answer .

We did a mammogram two years back and yearly CT scan since then as follow up care after rectal surgery and we are going to do a mammogram within 4 weeks , so do you suggest that nothing is serious or shall we ask for emergency appointment ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
NOT A SERIOUS CASE. NEED CLINICAL EXAMINATION.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for follow up query.

1) It is NOT an emergency case. However, she needs an appointment to undergo one clinical examination without awaiting for mammography. It will be worthwhile and helps to clear confusion.

2) Necessary of Mammography and FNAC or Biopsy depends on Clinical examination and past history. Therefore, all three assessments are REQUIRED to confirm the diagnosis and exclude malignancy.

Hope, I have answered your query. Kindly, close the discussion.

All the best and good luck.

Regards,
Dr S Patra

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj