II. Definitions

  1. Galactocele
    1. One or multiple, benign breast Nodules containing mik

III. Pathophysiology

  1. Milk-filled retention cyst that occurs during Lactation

IV. Symptoms

  1. Painless swelling within the Breast

V. Signs

  1. Most often single and small at onset (but may enlarge over time)
  2. Retroareolar location is most common
    1. However, Galactoceles can occur anywhere in the Breast

VI. Imaging

  1. Breast Ultrasound
    1. Fine needle aspirate with white milky fluid

VII. Differential Diagnosis

  1. See Breast Mass
  2. Breast Abscess (often with overlying Mastitis)
  3. Breast Cancer
  4. Breast cyst
  5. Breast fibroadenoma

VIII. Management

  1. Needle aspiration of the retention cyst (Galactocele) is diagnostic and therapeutic

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