Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA) Services

 What is FNA

FNA is a quick, comfortable and reliable method of sampling any lump which can be felt or visualized on ultrasound, often eliminating the need for a surgical biopsy.  The biopsy is simple as it requires an appointment of only 45 minutes. 

What is involved in FNA?

First, we will ask you several questions regarding your history and about your lump.  The lump will be visualized by ultrasound and measured.  A mild anesthetic will be injected and after a few seconds a needle, smaller than one used for blood draw, will be inserted through the numbed skin and into to the lump.  Cells are aspirated at this time.  This process takes only a few seconds.  The sample will be placed on a slide and examined immediately by Pathologists for adequacy and preliminary diagnosis.

What are the advantages of FNA?

The process is safe, fast, accurate and minimally invasive with no scars or stitches.  Normal activity can resume immediately.

How should I prepare? 

Please notify us if you are taking any blood thinning agents such as aspirin, Lovenox, Plavix or Coumadin.