Ultrasound Guided Cyst Aspiration (Fine Needle Aspiration)

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.