Diseases and Conditions

Breast cysts

Overview

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs inside the breast. They are usually noncancerous (benign). You may have one or multiple breast cysts. A breast cyst often feels like a grape or a water-filled balloon, but sometimes a breast cyst feels firm.

Breast cysts don't require treatment unless a cyst is large and painful or uncomfortable. In that case, draining the fluid from a breast cyst can ease symptoms.

Although breast cysts can be found in women of any age, they're more common in women before menopause, typically under age 50. But they can be found in women of any age. Breast cysts also commonly occur in postmenopausal women who take hormone therapy.