Cyst Aspiration
If a breast lump or nodule is discovered during self-exam or mammogram, your provider may suggest an Ultrasound Guided Cyst Aspiration for you. A Cyst Aspiration is a minimally invasive procedure that uses sound waves to ensure accurate placement of the needle into the cyst to remove fluid. The ultrasound will show whether the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid lump. The majority of cysts are benign (non-cancerous); however, some are quite tender. Aspirating the fluid from a cyst may alleviate discomfort.
For some breast cysts you may need to have fluid drained more than once. Recurrent or new cysts are common.
What To Expect
- We’ll give you a call before your appointment to talk through preparation instructions.
- Please provide the name, address and phone number of any facility where you have had a prior mammogram. If you have images from previous exams, please bring them to your appointment. Our radiologist may need these prior images for comparison in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
- Be sure to tell us if you are pregnant, nursing, or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
- On the day of your exam, please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
- A technologist will greet you and will go over a few health questions.
- You will be led to a dressing room to remove your shirt and bra and put on a robe or gown that we provide for your exam.
- The technologist will position you for the easiest access to the area for aspiration.
- A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.
- The radiologist will then insert a tiny, hollow needle and position it in the location of the cyst. Once the needle is in the proper position, the fluid will be withdrawn (aspirated) into a syringe. If the fluid has an unusual appearance, it may be sent to a pathology lab for evaluation.
- Once the aspiration is complete, the needle will be removed, pressure will be applied, and the skin will be covered with a dressing. You may experience some slight bruising.
- When your scan is complete, you’ll be escorted back to the changing room so you can change out of the scrubs and back into your clothing.
- Once you have changed, your appointment is complete. You do not need to check out with the front desk when you leave.
- After the exam, your images will be sent electronically to a radiologist who will review the information and send a report to your referring provider, typically within one to two business days.
- If additional images are recommended, you will receive a phone call from our staff within 24-48 business hours to schedule a follow-up appointment.
- You should follow up with your referring provider to discuss your results.