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A study of postpartum women is performed. Some of them developed a palpable 'lump' in one or both breasts postpartum. The lump appeared following cessation of breast feeding and persisted for more than one month, Many of these lumps regressed following fine needle aspiration. Which of the following breast lesions is most likely to fulfill these criteria?

A Papilloma

B Fat necrosis

C Galactocele

D Ductal epithelial hyperplasia

E Sclerosing adenosis

C seems appropriate.

cc

Galactocele occurs secondary to obstruction of lactiferous ducts. It is a non-neoplastic process. Following cessation of lactation milk may be retained and produce a cystic lesion. Aspiration of the cyst removes the fluid and the cyst collapses. The cyst is lined by cuboidal to flat epithelium. The cyst contents often appear milky, but microscopically contain inflammatory cells and/or necrotic debris. Extravasation of the milk may produce chronic inflammation and even fat necrosis.