Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

A fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a medical test that uses a thin needle to remove pieces of tissue from a cyst, lesion, tumor, or lymph nodes. The tissue is then tested to find out what it is, this is called a biopsy.  A FNA is done by poking the skin with a needle, there is no incision or cut in the skin. Often, it does not cause pain and is done quickly.

When is FNA used?

The most common reason to have a FNA is to test for cancer. FNA can be used on almost any part of the body. FNA is mostly used on:

• Thyroid.
• Lymph nodes.
• Lung.
• Liver.
• Breast.
• Skin.

How do I get ready for a fine needle aspiration?

You may be asked not to eat or drink for some hours before the test. If you are on blood thinners or take aspirin, your provider may ask you to stop taking them a few days before the test.

How is this test done?

FNA is done as an outpatient procedure (you will not stay overnight). Here is what you can expect during the test:

• The area of your skin where the test is being done will be cleaned.
• Numbing medication, if needed, will then be put into your skin to make the FNA less painful.
• Once the area is numb, a thin needle (one that is even smaller than the type used to draw blood) will be put into the skin in the area being tested. The needle may be placed a few times to make sure enough tissue is taken for testing.
• If your provider needs help finding the right area to biopsy, ultrasound, x-ray, or CT scan may be used.
• The actual placing of the needle takes about 10-15 seconds. The whole FNA takes about 15-30 minutes.

What can I expect after a fine needle aspiration?

As the numbing medication wears off, you may have some discomfort, swelling, soreness, and pain where the needle went in.

The main risk of an FNA is bleeding. A little bleeding where the needle went in is normal. In some cases, a pocket of blood, called a hematoma, will collect at the site of the biopsy. This can be uncomfortable but should get better over the next few days. If you have a lot of pain, you should call your provider right away.

How do I get the results of my fine needle aspiration?

Your tissue sample is looked at under a microscope by a doctor called a pathologist, and a report is written. The report will give your provider information about the findings. Your provider will discuss your results with you.