Fine-needle aspiration of the breast (fluid drainage or cell sampling), without biopsy
Breast needle aspiration in Casablanca
Breast needle aspiration involves inserting a fine needle into the breast, most often under ultrasound guidance, to drain a bothersome cyst (a pocket of fluid) or to collect a few cells. Unlike a biopsy, it does not remove tissue. It usually follows a mammogram or an ultrasound that has shown the area concerned. Draining a tense cyst often relieves the discomfort felt in the breast.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The aspiration usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE Senographe Pristina
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Painful or tense breast cyst.
- Cyst or nodule whose contents need to be analyzed.
- Fluid collection after breast surgery.
- Cyst that has come back after a first aspiration, when the discomfort returns.
- Breast abscess to be drained, in addition to the prescribed treatment.
How the exam is done
When you arrive, the radiologist explains the procedure and reviews your recent exams with you. Lying down, with your arm raised behind your head, you stay still while the radiologist locates the area with the probe. After disinfection, the needle is advanced under guidance on the screen; the needle prick feels like a blood draw.
For a cyst, the fluid is drawn out until the pocket is empty, which the ultrasound confirms right away. To collect cells, the needle makes small back-and-forth movements in the target area. Pressure and then a small bandage complete the procedure. If your doctor has requested it, the fluid or cells collected are then sent to the laboratory.
Preparation
- Tell us when you book about any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Never stop it on your own: the radiologist will tell you whether it needs to be adjusted, together with the doctor who prescribed it.
- Avoid cream and deodorant on the breast and armpit concerned.
- Wear a top that is easy to remove, so the breast can be uncovered without difficulty.
Fasting
No fasting in general: if your procedure requires it, the team will tell you when you book.
Contrast injection
No contrast agent is injected; a local anesthetic is sometimes used.
Contraindications and precautions
- Breast implant: please tell us, the needle path takes it into account.
- Bleeding disorder: a blood test may be requested depending on the procedure.
- Allergy to the local anesthetic or the disinfectant.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: please tell the radiologist.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Recent mammograms and ultrasounds showing the area to be aspirated
- Blood clotting tests, if you were asked for them
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
When will I get the test result?
If the fluid or cells are analyzed, the timing depends on the laboratory. The result is sent to your doctor, who will discuss it with you.
Can the cyst come back?
Yes, it can fill up again. Your doctor will then suggest monitoring or another aspiration, depending on the discomfort.
What signs should I watch for afterwards?
A small bruise is common. See a doctor if you have a fever, persistent bleeding, a red and warm breast or increasing pain.
Do I need to sign a document?
The radiologist explains the procedure and its risks, then obtains your consent before starting.
Does breast needle aspiration hurt?
The needle prick is similar to a blood draw. Local anesthesia may be used depending on the area, and the tension of a cyst often disappears as soon as it is drained.
How is it different from a breast biopsy?
Aspiration removes fluid or a few cells with a fine needle. A biopsy uses a larger needle to take small pieces of tissue, which are examined under a microscope.