Why is this procedure done?
A fine needle biopsy is used to check a small sample of cells from your body. This biopsy can get a small sample of an organ, fluid, soft tissues, or tumor. It is a good test to use for the breast, kidney, lung, pancreas, prostate, thyroid, ovary, or lymph nodes. ‚
This procedure is done to: ‚
- Check for cancer or tumor growths
- See if your illness is caused by another disease
- Check a growth found in your body
What will the results be?
The tissue samples will be looked at to see if there is a disease causing the problem. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Other tests may be ordered.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor may order drugs to be taken before the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your doctor will inject a numbing drug to prevent pain during the biopsy. Sometimes you are given a drug to help you relax.
- After the area is numb, your doctor will put a small hollow needle in the biopsy site to get the sample. This may be repeated to get other samples.
- The doctor may have some cells looked at under a microscope right away to make sure it is a good sample.
- Your doctor will apply pressure in the biopsy site, and then cover the spot with a clean bandage.
- Your doctor will send the samples to the lab for testing.
- How long this procedure takes is based on what kind of tissue needs to have a biopsy.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home shortly after the test.
- You may feel minor discomfort at the biopsy site after the test.
- You may need someone to drive you home if you were given a drug to help you relax.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Keep your wound clean and dry.
- You can remove the bandage within a few hours after the procedure.
- Do not exercise for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to bathe or take a shower.
- Wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Ask your doctor when you can get the results. Talk about the results with your doctor. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Infection
- Skin irritation
- Scarring
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- Redness, drainage, or warmth at the biopsy site
- Very bad pain or bleeding at the biopsy site
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology ¢ ˆ ’ Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/fineNeedleAspiration.cfm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚