Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration

Prepare for an Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration-Thyroid, Lymph node or Soft Tissue

What is it?

  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) : A very fine, small needle is used to remove fluid and cells from the nodule or mass.  It is a simple way of sampling your lump or mass by using a needle that is thinner than those typically used to draw blood for lab tests. After the doctor numbs the area, the needle is inserted through the skin and into the lump/mass to obtain cells. The fluid and cells are then sent to the lab for review. An FNA procedure is safe and rarely results in complications. 

How to prepare?

  • There is no prep necessary for this outpatient procedure. 
  • Please refrain from taking any medications that alleviate anxiety beforehand, with the exception of Tylenol and Advil. This includes any pain or anti-anxiety medications that may have been prescribed to you in preparation for this procedure. Please bring necessary medication with you. There will be an opportunity to take your medications in a timely manner, after you have met with the radiologist to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure. 

Arrival time?

  • Plan to arrive at the hospital 30 minutes early to allow time for parking and arriving at your procedure location. You must be checked in with Radiology 15 minutes before your procedure.

About the procedure

  • A team of radiologists (doctors) will perform this procedure under ultrasound guidance. The ultrasound device will be used to locate the lump/mass and help guide the needle into proper position. The skin will be numbed by injecting local anaesthetics before the fine needle is inserted into the target using ultrasound guidance.. A very fine needle is then moved back and forth through the lump/mass to draw tissue/cell/fluid samples.  The sample is then taken to cytology for testing.
  • A bandage will be placed over the biopsy site. You may remove it and shower after 24 hours. 

After the procedure

  • The results are sent to your doctor within 5-10 days. Though no procedure can guarantee results 100% of the time, these biopsies have a very high success rate. After the numbing medicine wears off, you may be sore for 1-2 days. If you are having pain, use Tylenol up to 3 times daily. You may talk to the doctor or nurse if you have questions about the dose. 
  • Your doctor will discuss the results with you when the results are ready. If it has been longer than 10 days, please contact your doctor’s office to follow up.

Possible Complications

  • Mild bruising, swelling, or soreness of the area.  An ice pack can help.

FAQ

Do I resume normal activity after the procedure? 

  • You can return home or go back to work after the biopsy.  After that you may resume your normal routine with no restrictions. 

Do I need a ride home after the procedure?

  • It is recommended to have a ride home from your biopsy procedure. If you are unable to obtain a ride home, driving yourself is allowed, but please ensure you feel safe to operate a vehicle before driving. You will not receive any medications that alter your mental state, but may be sore or numb in areas that may affect your ability to drive safely. Having a ride home is preferred.

I have had a scheduling change and need to cancel/reschedule my appointment, who do I contact?

  • Please contact our biopsy schedulers at 415-353-2971.

I’m feeling very nervous and/or have severe needle phobia, who can I discuss this with?

  • You can contact your doctor that referred you to Radiology for your biopsy and inform them. In some circumstances, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a one-time dose of an anti-anxiety medication if it is safe for them to do so. If this is the case, you MUST NOT TAKE the medication until AFTER you speak with the doctor who is performing your procedure and SIGN CONSENT for the procedure. Bring the medication with you to your appointment, and ask the doctor when you can take it.

My doctor told me I have multiple nodes/targets in the area. How many biopsies will be done for me?

  • The Radiology physicians have viewed your medical history and imaging. Most often, one biopsy is performed, though sometimes it is necessary to biopsy more than one target. You can discuss this with the Radiology physician performing the biopsy, during the consent conversation. 

I have additional questions, who can I discuss these with?

  • You will have a chance to speak with the doctor who is performing your procedure prior to starting the biopsy. You can clarify any clinical questions with them at this time. If you feel your question cannot wait until your appointment time, please contact your doctor that referred you for biopsy to discuss your concerns

When to Call 

  • If there is persisting pain, increased redness or swelling at the site, this could be a sign of infection. Other signs of infection include fever greater than 100.4 F (taken by mouth) or drainage from the biopsy site.   
  • If you notice these signs and symptoms of possible infection, please call or visit your closest emergency/acute care facility or call your General Physician.