Why is ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration done?

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are usually not cancerous. These round or oval lumps usually feel like a water balloon, but they can sometimes be solid.

Ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration is done to:

• Find out whether a breast cyst is cancerous (a biopsy)
• Treat the cyst if it is large and painful or uncomfortable by draining the fluid.

What is an ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration?

Ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration is done using imaging with sound waves (ultrasound) to guide a breast radiologist in draining fluid from the cyst with a fine needle. The needle is thinner than the one used for blood tests. This is an outpatient procedure.

How do I prepare for an ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration?

• 7 days before your breast cyst aspiration, stop taking:
  • Vitamin E
  • Aspirin
  • Over-the-counter medicines containing aspirin, Motrin, and Advil
  • You can take Tylenol

• If you are on aspirin therapy or a blood thinner (e.g., Coumadin):
  • Check with your doctor before stopping this medication

If you take Coumadin, you'll need lab work (INR and PT) 1-2 days before the biopsy

• Call your doctor if you have any questions about your current prescription and over-the-counter medicines

• Don't wear deodorant, powder, lotion, or perfume under your arms or on your breasts
• Don't wear jewelry
• Wear a comfortable sports bra for support a er the biopsy
• Feel free to bring a CD to listen to during the procedure (we have a CD player)
• A two-piece outfit may be more comfortable.

What should I expect during the test?

• You'll undress from the waist up and put on a gown.
• You'll lie on a table face up or turned slightly to the side.
• A specially trained breast radiologist will perform your breast cyst aspiration.
• Ultrasound images will be taken to precisely guide placement of the needle, which is thinner than a needle used to take blood samples.
• The radiologist will use the fine needle to draw out fluid or small pieces of tissue.
• You'll be awake and should have little discomfort.

How long does an ultrasound-guided breast cyst aspiration take?

30-60 minutes.

What should I expect after the test?

• After a breast cyst aspiration, you may have:
  • Bruising or discoloration
  • A little oozing or droplets of blood on the dressing or skin
  • Mild pain or discomfort and fullness at the biopsy site

• On the day of the procedure:
  • Put an ice pack on the biopsy site for 30 minutes of every hour until bedtime.
  • Take Tylenol as needed every 4-6 hours for pain.
  • Wear a sports bra.

• For 5 days after the procedure, do not take aspirin or any medicines that contain aspirin (Motrin or Advil).
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours.
  • The next day:
  • You can go back to your normal activities, including work.
  • Remove the dressing.
  • Do not remove the steri-strips (thin tape), which will fall off on their own (if the tape doesn't fall off after 7 days, you can take it off).

Shower but avoid scrubbing the biopsy site hard.

When should I call University Radiology?

• Excessive bleeding, put firm pressure on the biopsy site for at least 20 minutes. If this doesn't stop the bleeding, call us.
• Excessive pain, discharge, redness, swelling, or warmth, call us.

Call University Radiology:

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday:
Call the office where you had your procedure

Emergencies outside of normal business hours:
Call our 24/7 Call Center: 732-955-8877
Ask to speak to the radiologist or resident on call

When will I get the results?

The radiologist doing the procedure will let you know if a sample will be sent to the pathology lab for analysis. If so, it takes about 3-5 days to get the results from the pathology lab.

We'll send the results to your doctor right away. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

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