Blood in breast cyst

Hi All,

Just back from an ultrasound to aspirate a rather large painful breast cyst. Whilst there the Dr ask me whether Id like a deeper cyst drained (suspect he was going to anyway) to which I said yes. Anyway first cyst fine - 2nd one had blood in it and slightly thickened wall. Dr said could be down to previous aspiration which was 23rd Oct (roughly 10 weeks ago). He did a core biopsy and attached a clip - this is a new one on me (have been attending breast clinic for 20 years) but he said its to make it easier to see area as I have quite a few cysts.  

If there is anything it must be relatively recent as had mammo in June then after a delay due to Covid had the ultrasound and aspirations in Oct as i mentioned just 10 weeks ago. 

Does anyone know if blood in a cyst is always a bad sign? Have asked Dr Google and scared myself as all results end in the worst scenario.

Any advice will be gratefully recieved.... 

Wishing you all well in these stressful times.

xx

  • Hello JCoops

    I'm sorry to hear that you're having some problems with breast cysts at the moment. It's understandable that you're feeling a little concerned and unfortunately searching Google for answers will only lead to you feeling more anxious. 

    I'm sure if you gave our team of nurses a call they'ed be able to offer you some advice and reassurance about things. If you'd like to speak to them they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I hope you don't have to wait too long for your results. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi ,

    Just wondering how you got on as I'm in a similar situation myself. Only difference is I had breast cancer 18 months ago in the other breast and this came up as a  result of my annual check. Mine doesn't show on my mammogram and was only noticed as I had an MRI that showed some calcification. They were happy with the calcification but noticed the cyst she'd drained 2 weeks earlier had come back up and the wall was slightly thicker. She took 4 biopsies and put a clip in. I'm now beside myself with worry as I don't want to go down the whole cancer route again.

     

  • Hi, 

    I have been meaning to update on this. So I waited a painful week to hear that results were negative and it was benign. I haven't had a follow up as was advised they would write out to me (not heard and it's been 4 weeks but had a text from consultant with result) I assume it was where they aspirated weeks earlier and caught a blood vessel (apparently it's common) Anyway, the good news is it's likely this is the case for you. I do hope this brings you some comfort as I know how much these things consume you. 
    All the best - let me know how you get on. 
    x

  • Hi there,

    Thank  you so much for replying so quickly - you've really helped. Great  to hear that yours was benign - it has made me feel a bit more optimistic about mine  The waiting for results is really the pits isn't it? 
    I'll let you know how it goes x

  • Waiting is the worst part. I am hoping all good for you too - sounds very similar to my situation with the recent aspiration. 
    Keep busy and positive. x

  • Thank you for your post. Reading that aspirations can catch blood vessels and that this is quite common is a bit of a reflief. I have now had my cyst refill twice with blood and am waiting for final results. First biopsy was negative but they wanted to make sure.

    All the best!

  • Hi,

    I thought I'd let you know that mine came out as benign too. Such a relief after a very tense weekend. They think mine was actually infected as it was more the thickened edge they were concerned about. 
     

    Thanks for your response last week - it really helped.

    Stay well

    Julie

  • Offline in reply to ET

     

    I feel for you. These cysts are such a worry .I get 2 to 3 cropping up a year. I hoped they would stop once I was through menopause but my consultant told me he saw an 80 yr old with a massive one the other day. One thing though, don't ever become blasé about them. I had, what I thought was a cyst, come up 18 months ago. I procrastinated about getting it checked & it turned out to be a 35mm tumour. All sorted now thankfully but don't take it for granted it's a cyst every time. X

  • Offline in reply to JET63

    I received my results today and luckily they could not find anything. Phew. However, they still think it's a bit worrying that my cyst keeps refilling with blood, so have booked me in for a review again in 3 months. If I still have a cyst in 3 months, then they will take another biopsy. 
    I know my results for now are clear but it's still a worry. I've also had a swollen feeling and pain in my arm pit and down my arm but they are not sure this is related. Well, I suppose there is nothing I can do for now but wait for my next appointment in 3 months and hope it's all clear.

    Stay well!!

  • Offline in reply to ET

    So pleased to hear your results came back as negative too. It's great they are going to keep monitoring you - hopefully it's all very innocent & in 3 months it'll have gone.   At least you're in the system now in the unlikely event it hasn't.
    I understand how difficult it'll be for the next 3 months but, as everyone says, the best thing is to  try to stay busy and try not to worry. Spring is just round the corner and, hopefully, coronavirus is on its way out so we should all be able to have a bit of fun soon. 
    Look after yourself x