A breast aspiration is one of the most common methods used to assess a fluid-filled cyst within the breast. During this procedure, a small amount of fluid or breast tissue is removed and examined to see if cancer cells are present. While about a vast majority of breast cysts are not cancerous, breast aspirations provide the information needed to determine the next best steps.
What To Expect During a Breast Aspiration
At RAO, we perform breast aspirations for breast cysts if it has a questionable appearance or causes pain. If the fluid has a suspicious appearance on the aspirate, we will switch to core biopsy. For breast masses, we only perform core biopsies.
During a breast aspiration, you lie on your back on an exam table. If needed, a local anesthetic will be applied to the skin above the area being sampled to limit discomfort. In cases where a cyst is deep, ultrasound imaging may be used to guide the doctor to the exact spot.
Once the needle is directed to the cyst, a tiny amount of tissue and/or fluid is withdrawn into a syringe. More than one sample may be drawn. Each sample takes around 15 seconds. If ultrasound guidance is used, it may add some time to the process, but even then, the entire procedure is usually over in less than 30 minutes. A bandage or sterile dressing is applied to the access point or points, and you are free to go on with your day. You will be given simple instructions on how to care for the affected areas at home.
Healing After Breast Aspiration
Breast aspirations produce minimal risks, but some patients may experience minor bruising or tenderness. In some cases, the breast may feel temporarily larger or more tender following the procedure.
Healing from a breast aspiration is generally quick, with any discomfort and bruising diminishing over the next few days. To prevent excess bleeding, it is recommended that you avoid aspirin, Motrin and Advil for the five days following the procedure. If needed, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any discomfort. It is generally recommended that you limit strenuous activity for 24-48 hours afterward.
Very uncommonly, infection or abnormal bleeding may occur. If so, please contact your doctor as soon as possible, or seek immediate treatment. Again, these are atypical situations, and the great majority of patients experience no serious issues from having a breast aspiration.
Follow-Up After Breast Aspiration
What happens next, including follow-up appointments and testing, depends on the outcome of the procedure.
For a clear fluid-filled cyst that disappears after being drained, no further testing is required. In such cases, no biopsy is needed, so you will know your health status quickly, usually the same day. Your doctor will want to reexamine the area in 4 to 6 weeks to ensure the cyst hasn’t filled up with fluid again, which may indicate a problem.
When blood appears in the drawn fluid, lab testing will determine next steps. If no disease is discovered, further testing is usually not required.
If the cyst is solid and contains no fluid, your clinician may recommend an imaging test, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to gain more information, or to provide image guidance for a more extensive sample collection procedure, such as a core biopsy or surgical biopsy.
Your doctor will notify you with your results and recommendations for any follow-up.
RAO for Breast Aspiration
RAO’s Women’s Imaging Center provides a complete array of breast health services. Our team of Board-certified radiologists includes doctors who subspecialize in diagnostic radiology and breast imaging, for outstanding accuracy and speed. Women’s Imaging Center maintains accreditation in breast ultrasound, and has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology for accuracy, advanced technologies and best practice standards.
For the very best in breast health services and procedures, the name to know is RAO.
