Fine

Fine needle aspiration is a type of biopsy procedure. In fine needle aspiration, a thin needle is inserted into an area of abnormal-appearing tissue or body fluid. As with other types of biopsies, the sample collected during fine needle aspiration can help make a diagnosis or rule out conditions such as cancer.

Fine needle aspiration is generally considered a safe procedure. Complications are infrequent.

Procedure

A fine needle aspiration is usually done on an outpatient basis, which means you'll go home the same day of the procedure. The specifics of your procedure will depend on the location of the tissue that's being examined.

Uses

Fine needle aspiration is often used to investigate lumps or masses. Your doctor may suggest fine needle aspiration for areas such as your:

• Thyroid gland
• Lymph nodes
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Lung

Risks

Fine needle aspiration is a safe procedure for most people. But like any procedure, it carries a risk of complications, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Accidental injury to a nearby organ

Results

A pathologist examines the fine needle aspiration sample under a microscope. The pathologist then provides your doctor with a report of the findings. Your doctor will explain the results to you.

See also

• Biopsy
• Cancer
• Pathology

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