The majority of patients evaluated in our office are seen for benign conditions of the breast. Breasts cysts are common in young women and present as a tender mass in the breast. They appear as a smooth walled density on mammography and ultrasound confirms that they are filled with fluid. After evaluation in the office, the fluid from the cyst can be removed with a small needle to make the lump disappear. If the lump still persists after cyst aspiration or if the cyst recurs in the same location after four months, it may have to be removed through a small incision (open breast biopsy). With dietary manipulation, vitamin supplementation and exercise, the likelihood of developing breast cysts can be decreased.

Fibroadenomas also occur frequently in young women and present as a painless mass in the breast. They appear as a smooth walled density on mammography and on ultrasound appear solid. Fibroadenomas are best treated with a complete excisional open breast biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and eliminate the mass. Fibroadenomas can recur in other areas of the breasts.

Careful evaluation and follow-up by a surgeon are necessary to differentiate benign from malignant (cancerous) diseases of the breast.