Breast cyst aspiration
breast cyst aspiration · breast cyst drainage · draining a breast cyst · fluid removal from a breast cyst
Using a thin needle and ultrasound guidance, the doctor draws fluid out of a cyst in the breast. The cyst usually shrinks.
If the cyst is painful, large, or looks unusual, as decided by your doctor.
⏱ Duration: usually 10 to 20 minutes; a test of the fluid, if done, takes a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Clothing. A two-piece outfit is easier.
- Skin. On the day, do not put cream or deodorant on your breast.
- Medicines. Do not stop them on your own.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Previous ultrasounds and mammograms
- An ID
How it goes
- You undress to the waist and lie down
- The doctor finds the cyst on ultrasound
- The skin is cleaned and sometimes numbed
- A thin needle is put into the cyst and the fluid is drawn out
- The ultrasound confirms the cyst has shrunk
- The puncture site is pressed and a plaster is put on
What you'll feel
- A prick, like a blood draw
- Slight pressure
- Often the cyst pain goes away right after
Afterwards
- You can put a cold pack on for 10 to 15 minutes
- A small bruise may appear and goes away on its own
- Follow-up ultrasound after the time your doctor says
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Your breast becomes very swollen, red, and hot
- A fever
- Bleeding that does not stop
Common questions
Will the cyst come back?
Sometimes yes. It can then be drained again if your doctor thinks it is needed.
Is a cyst dangerous?
A simple cyst is usually not dangerous. The doctor will assess it on ultrasound and decide what comes next.