During a needle aspiration, a thin needle is inserted into the breast lump to withdraw (aspirate) fluid. Often, needle aspiration is done using ultrasound to guide accurate placement of the needle.
An aspiration can be done to relieve discomfort from a painful cyst. It is also performed when there is a need to differentiate between a simple cyst versus a solid mass.
Before Your Procedure
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. Please do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your abdominal vascular ultrasound.
Bring the following information with you:
- A signed prescription for an imaging study (unless your doctor’s office has either faxed an order or indicated they entered the order directly into Inova’s electronic medical records system)
- Insurance card
- Photo ID (e.g., license, passport)
- Any previous exam films and reports performed at a non-Inova facility, including X-rays, mammograms, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds
- Implant card, if applicable