Fine Needle Aspiration: Procedure and What You Need to Know

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a technique that collects a small number of cells from a lesion for cytological examination. It is an important step in determining whether a lesion is benign or malignant, particularly for thyroid nodules and breast lesions.

What is FNA?

The doctor inserts a fine needle into the lesion, usually under ultrasound guidance, to draw out a small number of cells. The sample is then stained and analysed under a microscope. The whole process is quick, causes little pain (local anaesthesia is used) and is minimally invasive.

When is fine needle aspiration needed?

FNA is indicated when an ultrasound detects a thyroid nodule or breast lesion with suspicious features. The FNA result is the basis on which the doctor decides to:

• Continue periodic monitoring.
• Treat conservatively with a minimally invasive method (such as radiofrequency ablation or ethanol injection).
• Proceed to surgery when necessary.

Advantages

• Minimally invasive, performed quickly, with local anaesthesia.
• Safe, with few complications.
• Reasonable cost, with no hospital stay required.

The procedure

1. The doctor performs an ultrasound to locate the lesion.
2. The area is disinfected and locally anaesthetised.
3. A fine needle is inserted into the lesion to draw the cell sample.
4. The sample is sent for cytological examination.

Patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterwards.

What you need to know

• FNA results may be “indeterminate” in some cases, in which case monitoring or a repeat procedure may be needed as advised.
• FNA does not entirely replace tissue biopsy; depending on the situation, the doctor may order other methods such as vacuum-assisted biopsy (VABB).
• Results should be interpreted in the context of the ultrasound findings and clinical examination.

Performed at Phuc Khang

Dr. Truong Xuan Luc, MSc performs the procedure and interprets the results directly. He explains the meaning of the cytology results and the next steps clearly, helping patients take an active role in their treatment.

This information is for reference only and does not replace direct medical advice.