[Diagnostic and therapeutic management of breast cysts]

In a study of 144 patients with cystic dysplasia of the breast diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy of palpation, mammography, aspiration cytology and pneumocystography was investigated. Only in 9.7% of the cases a surgical biopsy was necessary. In more than 90% of the cases biopsy was not performed; instead of this follow up with palpation, mammography and aspiration cytology up to 11 months was done. No breast cancer was overlooked, three of four proliferating dysplasias were detected. In 21% a local cystic recidive occurred which again was punctured. In contrary to surgical biopsy follow up of cystic dysplasias is not complicated by scars and their diagnostic problems. No complications were seen.