Finding anything unusual on your breast is scary, but luckily, cysts are nothing to worry about. They’re benign liquid-filled sacs that may be large (as big as 2 inches in diameter) or small (some you can’t even feel).

Unfortunately we don’t know what causes them. We do know, however, that they’re not dangerous or uncommon, especially in women approaching menopause.

If you have a non-cancerous cyst, your doctor may not do anything because it isn’t causing you any harm. Sometimes cysts can even go away on their own.

If yours continues to grow or is painful, though, your doctor will likely drain the liquid using a needle. Cysts rarely fill up again, and if yours does, the doctor may suggest you have it surgically removed. But -- breathe easy -- it’s usually a simple procedure involving only local anesthesia.

Your Expert

Debbie Saslow, Ph.D., is the director of breast and gynecologic cancer at the American Cancer Society.