Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA)

(Image taken from Orell & Sterrett’s Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology)

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the most widely used cytological diagnostic tool in the world. FNA is useful because it is a simple, quick, inexpensive, low-complicated diagnostic technique with high accuracy (sensitivity 80-100%, specificity over 99%) and can be applied across multiple agencies

When is fine needle aspiration cytology needed?

Any tumor that is palpable on physical examination or small tumors less than 1 cm suspected of malignancy on ultrasound are indicated for fine needle aspiration cytology.

Situations in which fine needle aspiration cytology  is not performed include:

– Vascular malformations

– cysts

– Diseases that bleed easily

What to do before procedure fine needle aspiration

Family and children will be consulted about the purpose, method, possible complications during and after the procedure. The patient does not need to fast before the procedure. However, for children who are anxious, fussy, and difficult to control, it may be possible to pre-medicate before the procedure.

How does the FNA technique work?

The patient was placed in a comfortable position, exposing the aspiration site.

Examining, evaluating the tumor, disinfecting the skin at the aspiration site, it is not necessary to anesthetize.

The technique is performed as follows:

– Use needle 22 – 26 Gauge, preferably 25G . needle

– No need for local anesthesia

– The needle is parallel or perpendicular to the plane da

– Sampling by suction or capillary

– Cells removed were spread on the slide and fixed immediately with 95% alcohol. They are then dyed with the  Papanicolaou method.

– The cell morphological changes will be observed under the optical microscope, thereby allowing the diagnosis of benign or malignant lesions.

Meaning of FNA aspiration
The results of the FNA test will tell if the tumor is benign, malignant, or just normal inflammation. This method can help diagnose diseases of many organ systems such as thyroid, mammary glands, lymph nodes, salivary glands, etc.

Hyperthyroidism Subacute thyroiditis

Papillary thyroid carcinoma

In short

Fine needle aspiration cytology is a safe, simple, cost-effective procedure for the patient with high accuracy, can be performed in the clinic and has a quick response time. Therefore, fine needle aspiration cytology is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of tumorous and non-tumor pathology in many organ systems. This is a test with high early detection ability to help diagnose and treat early, minimizing medical examination and treatment costs.