Ultrasound-Guided Cyst Aspiration

Ultrasound-Guided Cyst Aspiration at Beverly Hospital

If you have a cyst (fluid-filled area) in your breast, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration. This simple procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes. A technologist and radiologist work together during the cyst aspiration procedure.

What to Expect

To start, you’ll lie on your back or side on a padded table, and we’ll numb the area of the cyst. Then, your technologist uses ultrasound imaging to precisely locate the cyst.

The radiologist then places a small needle directly into the cyst and withdraws fluid. The fluid from the cyst drains into a syringe, and the cyst collapses. Depending on the appearance of the fluid, your radiologist may discard it, or we may send it to the lab for analysis. We’ll apply a bandage over the puncture site. You may have slight bruising or swelling after the procedure.

How to Prepare for a Cyst Aspiration

• Bring a list of your known allergies.
• Bring a list of your medications, including frequency and dosage.
• If you are taking products that can increase your risk of bleeding, please notify the nurses in the Breast Health Center by calling 978-304-8112 at least three days before your procedure. This includes a variety of products:
  • Aspirin
  • Coumadin
  • Feverfew
  • Fish oil
  • Flaxseed
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Gingko biloba
  • Glucosamine chondroitin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Licorice
  • Motrin
  • Naprosyn
  • Plavix
  • St. John’s wort
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
• Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
• Take your usual medications, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• You may eat a light breakfast or lunch before your biopsy.
• Wear a comfortable bra and top that you can easily remove before the procedure.