Identify cyst location using real-time ultrasonography.
Confirm standard sonographic characteristics of a simple cyst.
Create a sterile field, cleanse the overlying skin, and infiltrate with local anesthetic.
Utilizing real-time ultrasound, guide the course of the needle into the cyst and aspirate. Once fluid is aspirated, make additional passes as necessary to ensure complete collapse.
Release suction and withdraw the needle. Apply a dressing.
Confirm the complete collapse of the cyst with no residual findings with ultrasound.
Management
With aspiration of bloody fluid with the collapse of the cyst, consider sending the fluid for cytology and culture as correlated with the clinical scenario.
With aspiration of green or straw-colored fluid with the collapse of the cyst, consider this benign. The patient may return to normal screening as appropriate.
With failure to aspirate fluid or incomplete collapse of the cyst, convert to ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy.
Educational aid only. Verify every dose, indication, and guideline against current institutional protocol. This is not a substitute for clinical judgment.
