Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a simple procedure used to collect cells from breast lumps or abnormalities, providing valuable diagnostic information without the need for surgery.
What's Involved?
FNA is performed as an outpatient procedure without anesthesia. Using a fine needle, cells are gently extracted from the breast lump. The procedure is safe, with minimal risk of bruising at the needle site
Purpose of FNA
FNA helps determine the nature of breast lumps, assisting in:
- Assessing palpable lumps for further evaluation
- Clarifying unclear or small lumps
- Evaluating individuals with a family history of breast issues
What to Expect
During FNA, you may feel a slight pinch similar to a blood test. Any discomfort is brief and quickly resolves after the procedure.
Benefits of FNA
- Minimally invasive: FNA requires only a small needle, reducing the risk of infection and discomfort.
- Quick results: Results are typically available promptly, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Accurate diagnosis: FNA provides precise information to distinguish between benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Targeted sampling: Allows for precise sampling of specific areas, minimizing unnecessary tissue removal.
- Fewer complications: FNA carries a low risk of complications, resulting in a quicker recovery.
- Outpatient procedure: Patients can return home the same day, avoiding hospital stays.
FNA offers a simple and effective way to assess breast lumps, providing reassurance and guiding appropriate treatment decisions. If you have concerns about a breast lump, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss FNA as an option for you.