What is a breast cyst?
A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac (like a tiny balloon) inside the breast. Breast cysts are common in women. They might cause a little pain, but they are usually benign (not cancerous).
What is breast cyst aspiration?
This is a procedure done in your doctor’s office, surgery center, or hospital. Your doctor will use a small needle to withdraw (aspirate) fluid from the breast cyst.
When is breast cyst aspiration recommended?
A breast lump that you can feel might feel painful. You may worry about cancer, even though it’s rare. Breast cyst aspiration can help your doctor find out if the lump you feel is a cyst or a cancerous tumor. The cyst fluid can be analyzed right away.
Path to improved health
How is breast cyst aspiration performed?
Your doctor will numb your skin first. Then, he or she will insert a small needle into the breast lump. He or she may use ultrasound to get a better picture of the lump and to guide the needle. Using a syringe, your doctor will try to drain fluid from the lump. There could be several results from the aspiration:
- The lump is a cyst that contains watery fluid. The cyst goes away after it is drained. You do not need other tests.
- The lump contains bloody fluid. Your doctor will send the fluid to a lab to find out what it is. You may or may not need further testing.
- The lump is solid and does not contain fluid. Your doctor will likely recommend imaging tests. This could be an ultrasound or a mammogram. These will give your doctor a better look at the lump. Your doctor may want to remove a small bit of the lump’s tissue and send it to a lab to be examined. At the lab, the fluid or sample from the lump can be examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
What are the benefits of breast cyst aspiration?
Your doctor may be able to diagnose your breast lump on the same day that you get the aspiration. If the lump is clearly a cyst, you will know right away. You might not need to have other tests performed.
Things to consider
What are the risks of breast cyst aspiration?
Before you have breast cyst aspiration, your doctor will discuss possible problems. You might have some discomfort where the needle goes in. You might have a little bruise on your breast. You could develop an infection where the needle goes in. But these complications are uncommon.
Do I need to see my doctor again after I have breast cyst aspiration?
Yes. If the lump in your breast is a cyst and it is drained successfully, your doctor will want to check the area in 4 to 6 weeks. He or she will want to make sure the cyst has not filled with fluid again. This follow-up visit is important. A cyst that refills with fluid can be a problem. If you have a cyst that refills or you develop a new cyst, call your doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Does my breast cyst need to be aspirated?
- Does aspiration hurt?
- How long does the procedure take?
- Will I experience any discomfort afterward?
- What should I do if the cyst comes back or I get another one?
- Can an undrained cyst turn to cancer?
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This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
