Galactocoele: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Galactocoele?
A primary care doctor, an obstetrician-gynecologist (a doctor for women's health and pregnancy), or a breast surgeon usually evaluates a galactocoele. A lactation consultant, a specialist in breastfeeding, often helps too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a galactocoele?
A galactocoele (also spelled galactocele) is a milk-filled lump in the breast. It is a benign milk retention cyst, which means it is not cancer. It most often arises in women who are breastfeeding or have recently stopped.
A galactocoele forms when a milk duct stays blocked. Milk then collects in a pouch. It is the most commonly diagnosed benign breast lump in women who are breastfeeding.
Other names are lactocele and lacteal cyst.
Symptoms
A galactocoele is usually a moderately firm, painless lump. It can be in one breast or both.
- The lump can be barely felt or can be larger than 10 cm.
- The lump may change size over the course of a day, and it may shrink for a short time after breastfeeding.
- You may have mild breast discomfort.
Severe pain, redness or fever are not seen unless the galactocoele has become infected.
Causes and who gets it
A galactocoele develops when milk flow is blocked and milk builds up in the duct. The blockage can come from several things.
- Incorrect breastfeeding technique or breastfeeding less often.
- Injury to the breast, swelling (inflammation), or nipple differences.
- Rarely, a tumor.
Galactoceles are mostly found a few weeks or months after a woman stops breastfeeding. They can also develop in the third trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Trouble with breastfeeding, such as in a baby with a cleft palate, can make one more likely. So can using combined birth control pills.
No inherited cause or risk factor has been found.
How doctors diagnose it
Any new breast lump needs prompt evaluation. This includes a physical exam, imaging, and sometimes a needle test. Doctors do this so that a breast cancer is not missed.
Ultrasound, a scan that uses sound waves, is the preferred scan in women who are breastfeeding. An ultrasound of a galactocoele usually shows a pocket of fluid.
Aspiration means drawing fluid out with a thin needle. A needle test helps with both diagnosis and treatment. It may be done to confirm the diagnosis or to relieve symptoms, and it should give milky fluid.
The doctor will also think about other lumps, such as a breast cyst, an abscess, fibroadenomas, and breast cancer.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how bad the symptoms are, how big the lump is, and whether it is infected.
Watching and waiting is the main approach for most galactoceles that cause no symptoms. Most go away on their own. Your doctor may suggest these steps:
- Anti-inflammatory medicine as needed.
- Avoiding pumping too often.
- Breastfeeding or pumping on demand.
- Ice packs and breast support.
Large galactoceles that cause symptoms often need more care. A breast surgeon may drain the lump with a needle several times or place a small drainage tube. Open surgery is generally avoided, because needle or tube drainage is usually enough.
Drained lumps often fill up again and may need repeat drainage. Repeated needle drainage can raise the chance of infection.
If the lump becomes infected, it needs drainage and antibiotics, medicines that kill bacteria. Breastfeeding should continue, because it helps drain the breast.
A galactocoele is benign and usually goes away on its own once breastfeeding stops. It has not been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer later.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any new breast lump, even if you are breastfeeding.
Get care promptly if the breast becomes swollen and tender, with signs of inflammation such as redness, warmth, pain or fever. These can be signs of an infected galactocoele.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or a sudden change in mental state.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine a new breast lump, order an ultrasound, and refer you to a breast specialist or lactation consultant if needed.
Common questions
Is a galactocoele cancer?
No. A galactocoele is a benign milk retention cyst. It has not been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer later. Doctors still check any new breast lump to rule out cancer.
Does a galactocoele go away on its own?
Often, yes. A galactocoele typically goes away without treatment once breastfeeding stops. Large lumps that cause symptoms may need drainage.
Does a galactocoele hurt?
Usually not much. It is typically a painless lump, though you may have mild discomfort. Severe pain, redness or fever suggest an infection.
Can I keep breastfeeding with a galactocoele?
Yes, in most cases. Breastfeeding on demand is part of the advice for managing a galactocoele. Even if the lump becomes infected, breastfeeding should continue because it helps drain the breast.
Can a galactocoele become infected?
Yes. Infection is a possible complication. The breast becomes swollen and tender, with signs of inflammation. An infected lump needs drainage and antibiotics.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
