Choosing Wisely:

Don’t routinely drain non-painful fluid-filled breast cysts.

Search Recommendations

Rationale and Comments: Breast cysts are common. They are harmless fluid filled sacs. If an ultrasound (sonogram) confirms that a breast mass is a simple cyst, it does not need to be drained unless it is bothersome to the patient or if there are concerns it could be something other than a cyst or has complex characteristics.
Sponsoring Organizations:
  • American Society of Breast Surgeons – Benign Breast Disease
    • Sources:
  • Expert consensus
    		•
    Disciplines:
  • Dermatologic
  • Gynecologic
    		•
    References: • Amin AL, Purdy AC, Mattingly JD, Kong AL, Termuhlen PM. Benign breast disease. Surg Clin North Am. 2013;93:299-308.
    • Berg WA, Sechtin AG, Marques H, Zhang Z. Cystic breast masses and the ACRIN 6666 experience. Radiol Clin North Am. 2010;48:931-987.
    • Sanders LM, Lacz NL, Lara J. 16 year experience with aspiration of noncomplex breast cysts: cytology results with focus on positive cases. Breast J. 2012;18:443-452.

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