Biopsies

What is a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)?

Biopsy of the Thyroid or Superficial Lymph Nodes?

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA’s) Biopsies are the only minimally invasive, non-surgical method that can differentiate malignant and benign nodules or lymph nodes. This procedure is short in timing (typically 30 minutes to an hour) and generally requires no recovery time.

During the procedure, a local numbing anesthetic is applied, before a small needle is inserted into the nodule or lymph node of concern. This process is repeated several times to collect an adequate sample for inspection. Cells within the thyroid or lymph node are collected and aspirated into a syringe. The cells collected in the syringe are then placed on a set of microscope slides and sent off to pathology. From here, the pathologist examines the sampled cells and determines if they are either benign, suspicious, or malignant.