Cysts are benign tumors of the breast filled with fluid. They do not become malignant (cancer).

When large, cysts can cause a palpable hardness in the breast, causing anxiety and pain. Cysts begin to be palpable when they reach an average size of 15-17 mm. Sonographically guided drainage of cysts that are palpable, cause anxiety, or cause pain is called cyst aspiration.

The purpose of this procedure is not to reduce or prevent the risk of cancer. The goal of cyst drainage is to improve the patient's comfort.

5-10% of cysts aspirated may refill due to secretion from the lining. Cyst aspiration is performed with simple syringes used for blood collection or injections into the buttocks. If the fluid sample is bloodless, it is not sent for analysis.

The purpose of this sonographically guided procedure is to monitor the completeness of drainage.