17024 Cyst Aspiration

Cyst Aspiration

Cyst aspiration is recommended for a painful cyst or a cyst that may have a concerning appearance. In breast cyst aspiration, the doctor uses a small needle to drain fluid from the cyst.

Appointment Date: ____________ M  Tu  W Th  F   Time:______________

Please come to the Breast Care Center located at 652 Peter Jefferson Parkway on the second floor at least 20 minutes prior to your appointment.

Please contact your insurance company if you have any questions about insurance coverage.

Patients who do not have health insurance have assistance options:

• UVA Health System Financial Assistance       434.924.5377 or 800.523.4398. Patients at UVA who lack financial resources or who have exhausted their health insurance benefits may be eligible for assistance from UVA.

Before the Procedure

It is important to let us know if you:

• have a history of bleeding problems or diabetes
• use blood thinners (for example: Coumadin, Eliquis, Plavix, Xarelto, Brilinta)
• use anti-inflammatory products (for example: Celebrex, Meloxicam, Diclofenac)
• use products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen (for example: Advil, Motrin, Aleve)
• have any allergies to local anesthetics, adhesive tape, skin cleaners, latex, pain medication, or any other medication allergies

Please eat before the procedure. Do not use aspirin and ibuprofen products during the 5-7 days before your biopsy. Check with your doctor to see if any anti-inflammatory medications that you may be taking should also be stopped. These products can interfere with blood clotting, which can cause bleeding during or after the biopsy. Products that contain acetaminophen (for example: Tylenol) are safe to use.

During the procedure

1. You will lie on your back on a padded table. Your arm on the side of the cyst will be moved up over your head.
2. Your skin will be cleansed with a cool antiseptic solution.
3. Local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area where the needle will be inserted. This may sting during the injection.
4. A very thin needle will then be gently inserted into the cyst. The fluid will be drawn out.
5. A tiny metallic marker may be inserted through a small cut in the skin to mark the area of concern for future reference.
6. The fluid may be either sent for testing or discarded.
7. If the radiologist cannot get fluid out of the cyst, a core biopsy may be necessary. This may be done immediately, or you may be scheduled for a second appointment.

After the procedure

• Pressure will be applied over the aspirated site.
• You may have mild discomfort. You may see a small amount of bruising for 5 to 7 days after the procedure.
• If you develop signs of infection please call our office or your referring physician. These signs include:
  • Fever
  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Increase in swelling
  • Drainage from the small incision site that contains pus
  • A bad odor
  • Increase in pain or tenderness to the breast

Care of Your Breast after Cyst Aspiration

• The aspirated site will be covered with steri-strips that can be removed in 24 hours. You may shower the next day.
• Wear a bra for the first 24 hours (sports bra if you have one), including overnight.
• Take acetaminophen (for example: Tylenol) for discomfort, if needed. Do not take any products that contain aspirin or NSAIDS for 24-48 hours (for example: Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Excedrin, baby Aspirin or Advil).
• Rest at home for the remainder of the day.
• Return to your regular activities, but do not do any heavy lifting (more than 5 pounds) for 48 hours or hard exercise for one week.

Results

If the fluid was sent for analysis, your results should be available about 3 business days after the procedure. You will be contacted by telephone with the results. To protect your privacy, we do not leave your results on an answering machine. Please contact us on the third business day after the procedure if you have not heard from us by 4 pm. The physician who recommended your mammogram will also receive a report of your results.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to this procedure, please call the nurse listed below.

Registered Nurse       _________________________________ 434.297.4042

Or Mammography Technologist    _______________________ 434.924.2935

Diagnostic Imaging Attending ___________________________

Diagnostic Imaging Fellow ______________________________

UVA Breast Care Center

652 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 200

Charlottesville, VA 22911