MILK CYST Meaning and
Definition
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A milk cyst, also known as a galactocele, is a specific type of benign cyst that develops in the breast tissue of lactating women. It occurs when a milk duct becomes blocked, causing milk to accumulate and form a fluid-filled sac or cyst within the breast.
Milk cysts typically present as painless, smooth, round or oval-shaped lumps that are easily movable under the skin. They can range in size from a small pea to several centimeters in diameter and may be present in one or both breasts. These cysts are more commonly seen in women who are actively breastfeeding or in the early postpartum period.
The primary cause of milk cysts is believed to be the obstruction of a milk duct. This blockage can occur due to many factors, such as inadequate breastfeeding technique, restricted milk flow, trauma to the breast, or excessive milk production. The accumulated milk within the cyst can sometimes become thickened and may lead to the formation of a firm mass.
Milk cysts are typically harmless and do not require any treatment. In most cases, they resolve on their own as the baby continues to breastfeed and the milk ducts become unblocked. However, if the cyst becomes painful, infected, or persists for an extended period, medical intervention may be necessary. Treatment options may include draining the cyst using a needle, providing pain relief measures, or, in rare cases, surgical removal of the cyst.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MILK CYST
- nilk cyst
- kilk cyst
- jilk cyst
- mulk cyst
- mjlk cyst
- mklk cyst
- molk cyst
- m9lk cyst
- m8lk cyst
- mikk cyst
- mipk cyst
- miok cyst
- milj cyst
- milm cyst
- mill cyst
- milo cyst
- mili cyst
- milk xyst
- milk vyst
- milk fyst
Etymology of MILK CYST
The word "milk cyst" does not have a specific etymology because it is a compound term made up of two separate words: "milk" and "cyst".
- "Milk" refers to the nutrient-rich fluid produced by the mammary glands of female mammals, particularly to nourish their young. The term "milk" has Old English origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "meluks", which ultimately comes from the Indo-European root "*melǵ-", meaning "to rub off", "to stroke", or "to milk".
- "Cyst" comes from the Greek word "kustis", which means "sac" or "bladder". It has been borrowed into English to denote an abnormal closed sac-like structure or cavity that contains liquid, semi-solid, or gaseous substances.
