cyst aspiration

Hello,

I have just found your website online.

I have 2 large cysts in my right breast. The clinic which I use here in New York City has recently been recommending that cysts not be aspirated for a couple of reasons. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the matter.

The doctor explained to me that when you aspirate a cyst it sometimes makes it MORE LIKELY that cyst will have to be aspirated again in the future. Perhaps it fills more easily after draining once? Or maybe there is another reason?

Also, she said that aspirating cysts can create what they call an "abnormal cyst" which is harmless but suspicious in appearance (from scar tissue from the aspiration?) and requires more sonograms to determine that no cancer is present.

I'm also wondering what your opinion is on caffeine. Several doctors have told me that there is a link between cysts and caffeine. Has you seen this? How clear in the link? Have you seen a difference between reduction of cysts when women cut back on coffee vs. when they eliminate caffeine altogether.

Thanks so much,

Ann

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Ann, Reasons to aspirate cysts are, to make sure they are indeed cysts (fluid filled lumps) or if they are painful.  If they are sure these are cysts, based on exam, or ultrasound then keeping a check and doing nothing is probably OK.

Regarding caffeine, some women find that decreasing caffeine consumption does help with decreasing breast pain, or lumpiness, others don't notice a difference.  You could try to see if it does help you out.  But you would need to watch caffeine consumption from all sources not only coffee, that would include chocolate, cola-beverages, etc.