Fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a diagnostic procedure used to investigate lumps or masses in the body. It is a type of biopsy procedure that involves using a thin, hollow needle to extract cells from a suspicious area for examination under a microscope. This technique is commonly used in the diagnosis of cancer, as well as other conditions such as infections and inflammatory diseases.

Procedure

The procedure for a fine-needle aspiration biopsy is relatively simple and minimally invasive. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis and involves the following steps:

1.Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably, and the skin over the biopsy site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Local anesthesia may be administered to numb the area.

2.Aspiration: A fine needle, typically 22 to 27 gauge, is inserted into the mass or lump. The physician may use imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT), to accurately target the area of interest.

3.Sample Collection: Once the needle is in place, the physician applies gentle suction to draw cells into the needle. Multiple passes may be made to obtain an adequate sample.

4.Sample Processing: The collected cells are expelled onto glass slides, stained, and examined by a pathologist under a microscope.

Applications

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is used in various clinical settings, including:

-Thyroid Nodules: FNAB is a standard procedure for evaluating thyroid nodules to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. -Breast Lumps: It is used to assess breast lumps, often in conjunction with mammography and ultrasound. -Lymph Nodes: FNAB can help diagnose lymphadenopathy and determine the presence of metastatic cancer. -Liver and Pancreas: It is used to evaluate masses in the liver and pancreas, often guided by imaging techniques.

Advantages

-Minimally Invasive: FNAB is less invasive than surgical biopsy techniques, resulting in less discomfort and quicker recovery for the patient. -Quick Results: The procedure is quick, and results can often be obtained within a few days. -Cost-Effective: It is generally less expensive than other biopsy methods.

Limitations

-Sample Adequacy: There is a risk of obtaining an inadequate sample, which may necessitate a repeat procedure. -Diagnostic Accuracy: While FNAB is highly accurate, it may not always provide a definitive diagnosis, especially in cases of complex or mixed lesions.

Complications

Complications from fine-needle aspiration biopsy are rare but can include:

-Bleeding: Minor bleeding or bruising at the biopsy site. -Infection: A small risk of infection exists, as with any procedure that breaks the skin. -Pneumothorax: In rare cases, especially when aspirating near the lungs, a pneumothorax may occur.

Also see

- Biopsy - Core needle biopsy - Pathology - Cytology - Ultrasound-guided biopsy