Oil cysts are non-cancerous formations that can appear in the body. Many people become worried about a potential connection between these cysts and cancer. Understanding what oil cysts are and how they behave is important for addressing these anxieties. This article clarifies the nature of oil cysts and their relationship, or lack thereof, with malignancy.
Understanding Oil Cysts
Oil cysts are benign lesions that develop from fat necrosis, a process where fat tissue is damaged and breaks down. This damage causes fat cells to die and release their oily contents, which then collect in a sac-like structure. A thin wall of fibrous tissue or calcium can form around this collection of liquid fat, creating the cyst.
Common causes of fat necrosis and subsequent oil cyst formation include physical trauma to an area with fatty tissue, such as a breast injury. They can also arise following surgical procedures like breast surgery, lumpectomy, or liposuction, and after radiation therapy. In some instances, oil cysts can form spontaneously without a clear history of trauma or medical intervention.
Oil Cysts and Cancer Risk
Oil cysts are benign and do not transform into cancer. They also do not increase an individual’s risk of developing cancer in the future. The formation of an oil cyst is a reparative process following fat damage, distinct from the uncontrolled cell growth seen in malignancy.
While an oil cyst might feel similar to a cancerous lump or appear on imaging tests, they are fundamentally different biological entities. Their presence can sometimes cause anxiety because they can mimic the physical or imaging characteristics of more concerning lesions. Medical professionals rely on specific diagnostic criteria to differentiate between an oil cyst and a cancerous mass, providing reassurance about their non-malignant nature.
Identifying Oil Cysts
Medical professionals use a combination of methods to identify oil cysts and distinguish them from other types of masses, particularly cancerous ones. A physical examination may reveal a lump that can be soft and squishy, or sometimes firm. Imaging is important in confirming the diagnosis. On a mammogram, an oil cyst typically appears as a well-defined, rounded mass with a fatty center, and may sometimes show “eggshell” calcifications around its wall.
Ultrasound provides a clearer picture, often showing oil cysts as dark, smooth-edged circular or oval areas filled with fluid, distinguishing them from solid masses. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can also be used, with oil cysts typically appearing as bright lesions on T1-weighted images due to their fat content. While these imaging features are often characteristic, a biopsy, such as a fine needle aspiration, might be performed to confirm the diagnosis. This diagnostic process helps to definitively rule out malignancy.
Managing Oil Cysts
Once an oil cyst is identified and confirmed as benign, specific treatment is often not required. Many oil cysts are harmless and may even resolve on their own over time. If an oil cyst is large, causes discomfort or pain, or is cosmetically bothersome, medical intervention may be considered.
One common procedure is aspiration, where a thin needle is used to drain the oily fluid from the cyst, which can alleviate symptoms and confirm the diagnosis. In rare cases, if the cyst is large, painful, or recurs, surgical removal might be recommended. These treatments are aimed at symptom relief and are not performed due to any cancer risk. Even after an oil cyst diagnosis, ongoing medical guidance and regular self-examinations are important for monitoring any new or changing breast lumps.