Circumscribed Mass: Cysts, Complicated Cysts, Clustered Microcysts
Benign cysts can occur in women of all ages, but they have a predilection for women in their 40s and 50s, and are far less common in younger and older women. Most cysts arise at the level of the terminal duct-lobular unit (TDLU); less commonly, cysts are caused by ectasia of central ducts. This chapter, appearing in the section on circumscribed mass, reviews the key clinical and imaging features, differential diagnosis, and management recommendations for primary cystic masses, including simple cysts, complicated cysts, and clustered microcysts. Careful assessment of sonographic features usually allows a definitive diagnosis of these benign entities that do not typically require tissue sampling. Some complex masses containing fluid and/or cystic-appearing components may require tissue sampling for diagnosis.