Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of the breast is a diagnostic, minimally invasive procedure used to collect cells from nodules or suspicious areas in the breast for microscopic examination (cytological analysis).
What FNA of the breast is used for:
- Differentiating between benign and malignant nodules
- Evaluating cystic lesions that contain fluid
- Guiding therapeutic decisions
- Monitoring known lesions in conjunction with ultrasound or mammography
Procedure
Using a thin needle—often under ultrasound guidance—the physician inserts the needle into the nodule or lesion in the breast to aspirate a small amount of cellular material. The sample is sent to a laboratory for cytological analysis to determine whether the lesion is benign, suspicious, or malignant. The procedure is quick, painless, does not require anesthesia, and typically takes only a few minutes. It is extremely valuable as a first-line diagnostic tool and helps avoid unnecessary surgical biopsies.