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Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate lumps or masses located just under the skin. A thin, 25 or 27 gauge needle is inserted into the mass and a sampling of the cells is obtained. At Old Dominion Pathology, we have teamed up with Fairfax Radiological Consultants and all of our FNAs are performed with a radiologist using ultrasound-guidance. While we specialize in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, we also have extensive experience in the aspiration of many types of tissues, including lymph nodes, parathyroid glands, salivary gland masses and superficial soft tissue tumors. FNAs are very safe and complications rarely arise. The most common complications include bruising and soreness. FNA is a short procedure, and since a very thin needle is used, most find it to be minimally painful. In fact, most of our patients say the procedure hurts less than having blood drawn.
When you come for your ultrasound-guided FNA, you will be seen by both a radiologist and a pathologist. This unique collaboration allows for the precise guidance of the needle into the nodule to be sampled. After the FNA is performed, the pathologist will immediately stain the sampled cells and evaluate the specimen under the microscope. Within just a few minutes, in most cases, the pathologist can give you a preliminary diagnosis. Because the pathologist immediately evaluates the sample, the procedure usually involves only one needle stick.