Breast cyst aspiration is a simple procedure used to help a doctor confirm that a breast lump is a cyst, which is a fluid-filled sac. Breast cysts are common in women and usually benign.
Typical costs:
For patients not covered by health insurance, the typical cost of a breast cyst aspiration ranges from about $150 for a single breast cyst aspirated without ultrasound guidance to $500 or more for multiple cysts with ultrasound guidance. For example, at the Breast Center of Northwest Arkansas[1] , breast aspiration of a single cyst costs $162 with $40 each for each additional cyst and $215 for ultrasound guidance.
Breast cyst aspiration should almost always be covered by health insurance.
For patients covered by health insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs would include a copay or coinsurance of $15 to $50.
A doctor numbs the area with local anesthesia, then uses a needle attached to a syringe to remove fluid from the breast cyst. In some cases, depending on the size and location of the lump, the doctor might use ultrasound to guide the needle during the aspiration. If the cyst disappears after being drained, and contains non-bloody, watery fluid, the doctor usually can confirm that the lump was a cyst and further testing typically is not required.
FamilyDoctor.org[2] has an overview of breast cyst aspiration.
Additional costs:
A follow-up visit usually is required so the doctor can make sure the cyst has not filled with fluid again.
The drained fluid sometimes is sent for laboratory testing, especially if it has blood in it.
If the fluid drawn is not consistent with a cyst, or if the doctor is unable to drain fluid from the lump, a biopsy probably would be required.
Discounts:
Visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure or call 1-877-GO-KOMEN to get a local referral for discounted breast care.
Shopping for a breast cyst aspiration:
A general practitioner or gynecologist would perform a breast cyst aspiration after checking a lump and determining that it appears to be a cyst. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[3] offers a doctor finder by state.
A breast cyst aspiration can cause pain, bruising or infection at the site.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
Radiologist Fee Paid: 350.00 Any radiologist reading your mammogram will be at least $350. They have 11-13 years of training after high school before they begin work. If they are not board certified, watch out. Most are and it beats getting cancer... [more]
DIY Ceiling Paid: 50.00 We bought a house with a cheap paint job. The ceilings were sprayed the same color as the walls. During COVID I painted the ceilings and a bathroom. A 120 square foot room took me about 4 hours (2 coats)... [more]
DIY vs Installed Small Deck Paid: 3000.00 We paid $1300 for materials and $1700 for labor on a 100 square foot composite deck plus a redwood gate. It took 30 hours, done last year. My husband built a 100 sf heart redwood deck for about $1000 in materials in 2019... [more]
Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 756.00 This service was wayy to expensive in my opinion. For a 20-25 minute total visit I had to pay out of pocked 756 - 187 to OBGYN, 229 to pathologist, then 340$ for facility fee or the hospital. I don't even know what that charge was for... [more]
Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram and Third Mammogram Paid: 1389.66 My 2021 bill, still in shock! Weill Cornell, in-network provider, billed my insurance $908 for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram, and $712 for a third mammogram one breast... [more]
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]