A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops within the breast tissue. It is typically benign (non-cancerous) and can vary in size, from very small (microscopic) to several centimetres wide. Breast cysts may feel like a soft or firm lump and can be round or oval in shape.
A smooth, movable lump in the breast
Breast pain or tenderness, especially before your menstrual period
Increase or decrease in size over time
A fibroadenomais a benign (non-cancerous) breast tumour made up of glandular andfibrous tissue. It is one of the most common breast lumps in young women,especially between the ages of 15 and 35.
A breastpapilloma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows inside themilk ducts of the breast. It is made up of glandular and fibrous tissue, alongwith blood vessels. While usually harmless, some papillomas can be associatedwith an increased risk of breast cancer.
Solitary Intraductal Papilloma A single growth inside a milk duct, often near the nipple. Can cause nipple discharge (clear or bloody). Low risk of turning cancerous. Multiple Papillomas Several growths in different ducts, usually found deeper in the breast. May slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Papillomatosis A condition where tiny papillomas grow in the duct lining. Considered a higher-risk lesion for developing breast cancer.
Nipple discharge (clear or bloody) Small lump behind or near the nipple
Hormonal changes, particularly estrogen fluctuations Age (most common in women aged 35–55) Family history of breast conditions
Clinical breast exam Ultrasound or mammogram Core needle biopsy or excisional biopsy – To confirm it’s benign
Surgical removal (excision biopsy or duct excision) – Recommended if symptoms are present, the papilloma is large, or biopsy shows atypical cells.
Monitoring – If small and not causing symptoms, doctors may suggest regular follow-ups.
A solitary papilloma without atypical cells is not linked to a higher risk of cancer. Multiple papillomas or papillomas with atypia (abnormal cells) may slightly increase breast cancer risk.
If younotice nipple discharge, a lump, or breast changes, it’s best get areferral to a breast specialist for evaluation.
After your surgery, you will go home with a dressing over your breast wound and potentially one under your arm to sample lymph nodes. These dressings are waterproof and should stay on until your post-op appointment where they will be removed by Dr Garibotto. If you have a waterproof negative pressure dressing on (PICO) the nursing staff will show you how to care for it.
You may shower the next day after your surgery, but avoid swimming or soaking in a bath as this may lead to the dressing lifting off. Gently pat the wound dressing dry and avoid using moisturiser around the dressing area but it is fine to use on the rest of your body.
It is important to wear a firm and supportive bra that has NO underwire after your surgery. This helps to support the wound to heal and minimise swelling. It is a good idea to wear it day and night for two weeks minimum, and wear it for six weeks if you have had a reconstruction.
The sutures used are dissolvable and therefore do not require removal. Sometimes a knot from the suture may not dissolve and will begin to poke through the skin. If this is bothering you, you can contact the breast nurse to trim it back.
You may notice bruising around the wound. This is quite normal and will gradually disappear over the next week or so. Very rarely an infection may develop in the wound. If you notice increasing pain, swelling or redness around the incision or you feel unwell and feverish, please contact Dr Garibotto’s rooms during office hours, the breast nurse or your GP. If none of these are available, please present to the emergency department where a doctor can review the wound. If possible, attend St George public hospital and my team will be able to review you.
If you have been sent home with a drain/drains it will likely stay in until your follow up appointment unless you have been instructed otherwise. Community nursing staff will visit your home on a daily basis to check on you and measure the output. The nurses will have special instructions to remove your drain when appropriate. The specialist breast nurse or a member of the ward nursing staff will have educated you on how to care for your drain prior to being discharged. Your drain dressing is waterproof, if it leaks or needs replacing, this can be done at your local GP, breast care or community nurse.
If you are sent home with antibiotics, please ensure you take the full course. If you have an implant, the antibiotics must be continued until the drain is removed. If you run out, please contact the rooms urgently so we can organise a repeat script. Take regular Panadol for pain relief and if needed you will be sent home from hospital with a script for something stronger. Ensure that you are also taking something to keep your bowels moving if you are on strong pain relief.
Compression Socks T.E.D.S should be worn until your follow up appointment when your surgeon will advise if they are necessary.
Driving is permitted 24 hours post-surgery provided you do NOT have drains in and are NOT taking sedative medication such as strong painkillers. Ensure that you feel safe to drive and can wear your seat belt.
Walking is great, but please limit other forms of exercise until your post-op appointment and then clarify restrictions with your surgeon or nurse. Do not lift anything over two/three kilograms until your follow up.
Many women experience discomfort, sharp jabbing sensations and some degree of numbness and tingling for up to 3-6months after breast surgery. You may also have difficulty moving your arm and shoulder. It is important to practise the exercises given to you by the physiotherapist in the hospital. If you do experience pain and your range of arm movement does not improve, please inform your surgeon or contact the breast nurse or physiotherapist.
You may start scar massages around the 4-week mark after your surgery if you have NOT had any wound healing complications. Massage will help to soften the scar tissue and reduce the appearance of your scar. Choose whatever kind of cream or oil you like and simply massage the area for a few minutes twice a day. You can use silicone gel or strips at this point too.
All cancer conditions and some benign ones require ongoing reviews for a number of years. This may include 6 month to yearly imaging, blood tests and physical examination. This may be to monitor disease progression or recurrence of cancer. Occasionally, it is acceptable to be followed up by your GP or another specialist, but in general Dr Garibotto will be responsible for your on-going care.
