What does cyst aspiration specifically refer to?

Cyst aspiration specifically refers to the process of removing fluid from a cyst. A cyst is a closed sac-like structure that can contain fluid, gas, or semi-solid material. In many clinical situations, particularly in imaging and breast health, aspiration is performed to relieve discomfort, reduce the size of the cyst, or obtain fluid for diagnostic purposes.

During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the cyst, and the fluid inside is drawn out with a syringe. This minimally invasive approach can be both therapeutic and diagnostic. For instance, analyzing the aspirated fluid can help determine if there are any abnormal cellular changes or signs of infection.

Other options relate to processes involving cysts but do not accurately describe cyst aspiration. For example, removing tissue or performing a biopsy implies obtaining a sample of tissue rather than fluid, which is not the focus of aspiration. Removing a cyst entirely involves excision, which is significantly different from aspirating just the fluid within it.