Galactocele

Definition: A cyst filled with milk

Signs and symptoms: A hard area in the breast, that does not change in size significantly after the breast is emptied. Usually painless.

Diagnosis: sonogram shows fluid filled cyst. Any hard area that doesn’t go away needs a sonogram for evaluation.

Treatment: A true galactocele does not need to be drained or aspirated. If drained, it will likely refill quickly. It will decrease in size once you stop breastfeeding. If you are diagnosed with a galactocele and are told it needs to be drained, get a second opinion from a breast surgeon.

If you have a galactocele and it has changed call your doctor.

Rarely, it may get more painful or develop redness on the overlying skin—this may be a sign of infection and require treatment with antibiotics and possibly drainage.