Ultrasound Guided Cyst Aspiration (Fine Needle Aspiration)

What is an Ultrasound Guided Cyst Aspiration?

An ultrasound guided cyst aspiration is a minimally invasive procedure that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to pinpoint a cyst and guide a thin needle into the cyst to remove fluid.

Need to Know

If you take blood thinners, talk to your doctor beforehand about adjusting or stopping this medication
If the exam is for the breast, wear a comfortable two piece outfit and wear/bring a supportive bra supportive bra
Inform the staff of any allergies to latex, lidocaine or if you currently take any blood thinning medications
You will receive post procedure instructions including what to do if you experience swelling, bruising, drainage or have redness or warmth at the site following your aspiration or if you experience any discomfort not resolved with non-aspirin pain relief
Temporary bruising is normal
The procedure is usually completed in less than an hour – this includes pre and post procedure care. The cyst aspiration itself takes only a few minutes.

Nice to Know

The exam is painless, non-invasive and radiation-free. There are no known side effects from ultrasound.
Breast cysts range in size from smaller than a pea to larger than a ping pong ball. Large cysts can sometimes feel like a lump.
Breast cysts are especially common in women aged 40-60 and may occur in up to 20-50% of a womens reproductive age
Ultrasound uses sound waves and is not an x-ray
A local anesthesia will be used and the staff will closely monitor your pain status. You should have little or no discomfort.
You will be able to resume normal activities after the procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ultrasound will show whether the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid lump. It also shows whether a cyst is a “simple cyst” or “complex cyst.” An Ultrasound Guided Cyst Aspiration will remove fluid from inside a lump.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body’s tissues, structures, and blood flow. A transducer/probe and ultrasound gel work in combination to absorb the reflected sound waves to produce images on the monitor.

A specially trained Radiologist will perform the procedure assisted by a Sonographer or Mammographer
You may be asked to remove any clothing from the area having the procedure and change into a gown
Warm gel will be applied to the area and the ultrasound transducer/probe will be moved on the area to locate the cyst
The area will be cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic which initially may cause a slight sting. Your breast will become numb within a short time.
A thin needle will be inserted and then guided into the cyst with the ultrasound
Fluid will be drained into a syringe
Depending on the appearance, the fluid will either be discarded or sent to the laboratory for analysis
Pressure will be applied to the procedure site for a few minutes, a bandage applied and cold/ice packs provided
If the aspiration is in the breast, you may have a mammogram with limited compression to ensure that the cyst is gone
Post procedure instructions will be provided

There are no diet restrictions, eat and drink as usual
You may perform normal daily activities prior to the procedure
Take usual medications on exam day unless asked not to
Aspirin and anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding and bruising
- Patients taking anticoagulants (blood-thinners) or aspirin may be asked to stop using them for a few days prior to the procedure
Herbal substances that affect bleeding, such as Gingko biloba, should be stopped prior to the breast biopsy

The benefits of Breast Biopsy (Fine Needle Aspiration):

Can verify that the cyst is a simple cyst- fluid-filled sacs
Removal of fluid will provide relief for painful cysts

Risks you should be aware of:

Bleeding – unusual
Hematoma, or a collection of blood at the biopsy site can occur. Less than 1% of patients.
Bruising – resolves within a few weeks
Infection – Any procedure where the skin is penetrated carries a risk of infection. Less than 1 in 1,000 patients.
Cysts may recur after the aspiration