Breast Cyst Drainage - How Sore?

[MrsAliceRichards]

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of breast cysts being drained? My cysts showed up on an ultrasound about six months ago and it answered the question as to why I was having bad breast pain every month. At the time the consultant said it was possible to drain them. I've been taking evening primrose oil as they suggested pretty much consistently for the last six months and the pain has definitely improved but since last week one has flared up terribly and I've sent a request to the clinic to ask if it could be drained. I'm just wondering how sore it is when they're drained? The consultant said very uncomfortable. I've a pretty high pain threshold so just wondering what to expect and how long the procedure takes as well? Not in the UK and going privately in another country.

I've had this done a couple of times - they literally asked me while I was lying on the ultrasound bed whether I wanted it drained, and when I said yes they swabbed the site, shoved a needle in, sucked up a few cc's of disgusting brown fluid and stuck a sticking plaster on.

A bit sore, because having a needle stuck in your boob is always going to be sore, but no big deal.

Thank you! I guessed that's what it would be but the consultant was making it seem ever so dramatic!

Similar experience to @SilverRingahBells - though the liquid that came out of mine was more puss & green gunk🤢….didn’t entirely get rid of mine (I’ve got a good few!) but has made them a bit more comfortable.

Thank you @Blinkingbatshit. The consultant warned it wouldn't necessarily be a complete fix and also said they can refill. She said she has some frequent flyers that come in once or twice a year to get them drained.....

I’m always getting breast cysts drained. I’ve had them behind the nipple before, and that’s quite painful. I’ve had some that I could hardly feel. I’d say it’s about as unpleasant as having blood taken from the inner elbow. Not nice, but not extremely painful. Just a bit unpleasant, but over quickly.

They took three syringes from me last time and there was no pain afterwards. It hurts more having a blood test.

Ah thanks so much I feel so much better about it. I wish I'd said yes when she said she could drain them six months ago but to be honest I was so convinced it was breast cancer when she showed me they were cysts I just wanted to get out of there and go home. It was then that she was going on about it being painful and very uncomfortable and that put me off going before now but I definitely will now! Thank you all again!

Another similar experience to @SilverRingahBells but mine was too thick to get out (not envy) it was a bint uncomfortable as she was fighting the gunk but nothing too bad. Good luck!

I’m a complete wimp and I coped, even managed to watch the cyst disappearing on the screen. Didn’t look at the syringe though. Pretty much went down a bra size after the largest cyst was drained

I never really noticed any pain with mine. The gunk that comes out is wonderful though!

Oh and it took no more than 30 seconds! I had ultrasound, doctor asked while I was lying there if I wanted it drained, said yes please, and off he went. It was just one but it was a big un!

Thank you all, I'm booked in for early Feb to have the aspiration and on the list for a cancellation. Not as worried now.

Just thought I'd come back and update on this in case anyone is in this situation in the future. Covid delayed my appointment but I had three massive cysts drained today in my right breast. The consultant said they were some of the finest cysts she had seen 😂. A little uncomfortable this evening but my breasts actually aren't full of lumps and feel soooo much better! Thanks to everyone who put my mind at ease when I initially posted ☺️

Hello all - don't know if anyone still reading this thread but can I ask you 'cyst veterans' :-) did your breast skin look any different when the cysts were at their worst? I have a breast clinic appt tomorrow for what GP suspects is cysts; a week ago the area was extremely tender and sensitive but now it's not (hopefully a good sign) but the faint pink patch of skin still there ...... I guess I will know more this time tomorrow anyway but would be interested to hear your stories.