Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy and Excision Biopsy of a Cystic Mass in the Right Breast (Male)

Abstract

Breast cysts are fluid-filled, round or oval sacs inside the breast, which may be due to hormonal changes. Cysts are non-cancerous and form in one or both breasts when fluid builds up inside the breast glands. They are divided into two types based on their size. Microcysts are too small to feel, but may be seen during imaging tests, such as mammography or ultrasound while macrocysts are large enough to be felt and can grow to about 2.5 to 5 cm in diameter. Large breast cysts can put pressure on nearby breast tissue, causing breast pain or discomfort. A breast lump may be palpated through clinical breast examination; however, such an exam cannot determine if the lump is cystic or solid. The cystic nature of a breast lump can be confirmed by ultrasound, mammogram, or aspiration. Examination by a cytopathologist of the fluid aspirated from the cyst may determine if it is cancerous or not. In particular, it should be sent to a laboratory for testing if it is blood-stained. Cyst fluid doesn't need to be removed unless it is causing pain or discomfort. It can be drained by inserting a needle into the cyst and removing the fluid, reducing pressure and pain. For recurrent cysts or those that cause symptoms even after aspiration of fluid, surgery to remove them is an option. Here, we are presented with a 69-year-old male who developed a lump in his right breast more than a year ago. Bloody fluid was obtained from a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the lump, and it was sent for cytologic examination. An excision biopsy was done to remove the breast lump which was suspicious for malignancy. Histologic Examination of the specimen showed a benign lesion.

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