FNA is an acronym that stands for "Fine Needle Aspiration," a medical procedure used for diagnostic purposes. It involves the extraction of cells or tissue fragments from a specific area of the body using a thin needle, typically guided by ultrasound or other imaging techniques.
During an FNA procedure, a healthcare professional inserts a needle into the targeted area, such as a lump or a mass, and withdraws cellular material for analysis. The collected sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine if it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). FNA is commonly used to investigate lumps or masses in organs or tissues, such as the thyroid, breast, lymph nodes, liver, pancreas, or lungs.
The advantages of FNA include its minimally invasive nature, as it does not require surgical incisions, and its ability to provide quick results, allowing for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. FNA is relatively safe and associated with minimal discomfort or complications. However, in certain cases, multiple needle passes may be necessary to obtain an adequate sample, and occasionally, further testing or a different diagnostic procedure may be required for conclusive results.
Overall, FNA plays a critical role in the early detection and diagnosis of various medical conditions, aiding in the determination of appropriate treatment plans and patient management.
