Fine Needle Biopsy
A fine needle biopsy (FNB) is used to evaluate tissues for abnormal cells, disease, cancer, or infection. A common type of FNB is a fine needle aspiration (FNA), which removes fluid and cells through a syringe attached to the needle. The procedures for FNA and FNB are very similar and are sometimes done together. Fine needle biopsies can be obtained from organs, soft tissues or tumors in many parts of the body including the breast, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, prostate, thyroid, ovary or lymph nodes.
What to Expect
- We’ll contact you prior to your appointment to review current medications, your medical history, and potential risks. We’ll also answer any questions you have about the procedure.
- Be sure to tell us if you are pregnant, nursing, or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
- Contact your doctor before you stop taking any medication.
- On the day of your exam, please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
- For your comfort and safety, please consider bringing someone with you to drive you home after the procedure.
- When you arrive, you will be led to a changing room and given a pair of scrubs to wear for your exam. You will be given a locker to store your clothes, and anything else you may have with you during your exam.
- You will lie on an X-ray table and the skin in the targeted area will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
- The radiologist will insert a thin, hollow needle and position it in location of the abnormality.
- Several tissue samples may be taken, and they will be sent on to a pathologist to be examined.
- Once the biopsy is complete, the needle will be removed, pressure will be applied, and the skin will be covered with a dressing.
- When your procedure is complete, you’ll be escorted back to the changing room so you can change out of the scrubs and back into your clothing.
- Light gauze will be placed over the biopsy area. You may experience some bruising.
- Our staff will explain how and when you will receive your results.