Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose of Test
Risks and Contraindications
Before the Test
During the Test
After the Test
Interpreting Results
Frequently Asked Questions
After abreast lumpis found, more tests are needed to determine what the lump means and if it is cancerous or not. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a procedure used to obtain a sample of cells from a breast lump. The results help determine whether it’s acyst, an infection, a benign tumor, or cancer.
This article will review FNA in detail and go over what you might be able to expect when undergoing FNA.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Getting any breast lump checked out is a wise move. Having a fine needle aspiration may seem scary, but it’s a safe, minor procedure that provides clear information about a potentially suspicious lump.
If the lump turns out to be a cyst—a harmless, fluid-filled sac—the fluid can be drained out at the same time, relieving any pressure it may be causing.
About 80% of breast lumps are not cancerous, but a small percentage of them are malignant.In either case, the examination of the fluid from the aspiration can give your healthcare provider enough information to determine what the next steps should be.
There are two main advantages of FNA, according to theAmerican Cancer Society: One is that the skin doesn’t have to be cut, so there’s no need for stitches and no scar. The other is that, in some cases, it’s possible to make a diagnosis the same day.
What Do Breast Cancer Lumps Feel Like?
Risks with FNA are minimal. There’s a slight chance of bleeding and infection at the injection site.You might be sore for a day or two after the procedure and experience some mild bruising and swelling.
There’s little you need to do to prepare for fine needle aspiration, but the following information may be helpful to know in advance of the procedure.
Timing
It takes about 10 to 20 seconds to obtain each sample, and multiple samples may be taken.The whole procedure from start to finish usually takes no more than half an hour, but you should allow time for filling out forms and waiting in the office.
You can expect results within two to three days of the test, possibly sooner.
Location
Fine needle aspiration is an outpatient procedure performed in a healthcare provider’s office or a medical clinic that has professionals trained in the technique and access to a pathology lab that can examine the fluid collected.
Ifultrasoundguidance is needed, the biopsy is usually done in a radiology department. This machine, which uses high-frequency sound waves to provide an ongoing image of the lump, enables the healthcare provider to guide the needle to exactly the right spot.
Food and Drink
You’re able to eat and drink normally before the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider whether you should stop taking any medicines before the procedure, such as blood thinners.
Cost and Health Insurance
Most private insurers, as well as Medicare, cover the cost of a breast biopsy when indicated.With some insurance companies, or when special techniques are recommended, you may need to obtain prior authorization.
Other Considerations
You won’t be put to sleep during FNA, so you will be able to go about your life—return to work, take care of your family, drive a car—after having the procedure.
You will interact with the physician performing the fine needle aspiration, but not the pathologist who will examine the sample and, ultimately, deliver the results to your provider.
Pre-Test
You’ll undress from the waist up and wear a robe that opens in the front. After changing out of your clothes and before the procedure begins, your healthcare provider will ask if you have any questions. You will also be asked to sign an informed consent form, indicating you understand the purpose of the procedure and any potential risks.
You’ll be awake during the procedure and positioned on your back. Your skin will be swabbed with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
You can ask for a local anesthetic to numb the area of your breast that the needle will enter, but the needle used for FNA is so fine that getting an anesthetic might hurt more than the biopsy itself.
Throughout the Test
If no fluid comes out, the healthcare provider may reposition the needle and try again.
Post-Test
Once the fluid is captured, the needle is removed, pressure is applied to prevent a bruise, and a bandage is used to cover the site.
Call your healthcare provider if you experience continued swelling or bleeding, a fever above 101 F, and/or unrelenting pain.
A specially trained doctor called apathologistwill look at the biopsy fluid or tissue to see if it contains cancer cells. Test results can take up to two or three days, though sometimes they’re available the same day. The pathology report will be sent to your healthcare provider, who will call or have you come in to get the results.
The color of the fluid drawn out of the lump during the procedure will give some clues about its nature:
Needle aspiration is 80% to 85% accurate in giving a clear indication as to whether abreast lumpis a cyst or a solid breast mass.Sometimes, though, the results don’t give a clear diagnosis.
Fine needle aspiration may result in draining a cyst, causing the lump to go away. This is a good indication that the lump was not cancerous. However, some cysts do refill and, if they become bothersome, can be surgically removed.
The pathology report will help you and your healthcare provider talk about the next steps, if any. If your healthcare provider still has concerns for some reason, they may recommend doing another FNA or another type of biopsy, such as:
Breast Biopsy Procedure: What to Expect
If it’s breast cancer, you will likely be referred to a breast cancer specialist, who may recommend more scans, lab tests, or surgery. Your medical team will use the pathology report and the results of the other tests to determine the stage of cancer and to design the besttreatmentplan for you.
Summary
Hearing that you need a biopsy to get more information about a breast lump can be unsettling. But a fine needle aspiration is minimally invasive and can provide valuable information about your lump. It is a short procedure with few side effects which can be done fairly easily. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure or what to expect.
A Word From Verywell
Undergoing, waiting for, and receiving test results can be anxiety provoking. But keep in mind that 80% of women who have a breast biopsy do not have breast cancer.Even if acanceris found, the majority of these cancers will beearly-stage tumors.
Treatment of these cases has improved, with newer options significantly reducing the risk of recurrence and often being far less invasive than older ones. As for metastatic cases, which is present in less than 5% of women at the time of diagnosis, treatments are improving and life expectancy is increasing.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. Fine needle aspiration can be used anywhere on the body. It is most commonly used on the breast, the thyroid, suspicious lymph nodes, or skin masses.Learn MoreHow Needle Biopsies Are UsedIt shouldn’t be. The needle is so thin, causing so little pain (if any) that local anesthetic is generally not even needed.Yes, it is a type of biopsy. In a biopsy, cells, fluid, or tissue is removed and examined. In FNA, the fluid and cells are removed via the needle and subsequently examined.About 20% of breast biopsies turn out to be cancer.This means that the vast majority of breast cancer biopsies do not reveal cancer. This can be helpful to remember if you are feeling anxious.
No. Fine needle aspiration can be used anywhere on the body. It is most commonly used on the breast, the thyroid, suspicious lymph nodes, or skin masses.Learn MoreHow Needle Biopsies Are Used
No. Fine needle aspiration can be used anywhere on the body. It is most commonly used on the breast, the thyroid, suspicious lymph nodes, or skin masses.
Learn MoreHow Needle Biopsies Are Used
It shouldn’t be. The needle is so thin, causing so little pain (if any) that local anesthetic is generally not even needed.
Yes, it is a type of biopsy. In a biopsy, cells, fluid, or tissue is removed and examined. In FNA, the fluid and cells are removed via the needle and subsequently examined.
About 20% of breast biopsies turn out to be cancer.This means that the vast majority of breast cancer biopsies do not reveal cancer. This can be helpful to remember if you are feeling anxious.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Casaubon JT.Fine needle aspiration of breast masses. StatPearls.American Cancer Society.Fibrocystic changes in the breast.National Breast Cancer Foundation.Breast biopsy.American Cancer Society.Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the breast.Bitler MP, Carpenter CS.Health insurance mandates, mammography, and breast cancer diagnoses.Am Econ J Econ Policy. 2016;8(3):39–68. doi:10.1257/pol.20120298Nagger S, Bali IK, Arun P, et al.Clinico-pathological study on benign breast diseases in Gurugram NCR.IOSR J Dent Med Serv. 2018;17(4):59-62. doi:10.9790/0853-1704085962American Cancer Society.Core needle biopsy of the breast.American Cancer Society.Surgical breast biopsy.Vallacha A, Haider G, Raja W, Kumar D.Quality of breast cancer surgical pathology reports.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(3):853–858. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.3.853InformedHealth.org.Metastatic breast cancer: overview.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Breast biopsy - ultrasound.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Casaubon JT.Fine needle aspiration of breast masses. StatPearls.American Cancer Society.Fibrocystic changes in the breast.National Breast Cancer Foundation.Breast biopsy.American Cancer Society.Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the breast.Bitler MP, Carpenter CS.Health insurance mandates, mammography, and breast cancer diagnoses.Am Econ J Econ Policy. 2016;8(3):39–68. doi:10.1257/pol.20120298Nagger S, Bali IK, Arun P, et al.Clinico-pathological study on benign breast diseases in Gurugram NCR.IOSR J Dent Med Serv. 2018;17(4):59-62. doi:10.9790/0853-1704085962American Cancer Society.Core needle biopsy of the breast.American Cancer Society.Surgical breast biopsy.Vallacha A, Haider G, Raja W, Kumar D.Quality of breast cancer surgical pathology reports.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(3):853–858. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.3.853InformedHealth.org.Metastatic breast cancer: overview.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Breast biopsy - ultrasound.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Casaubon JT.Fine needle aspiration of breast masses. StatPearls.American Cancer Society.Fibrocystic changes in the breast.National Breast Cancer Foundation.Breast biopsy.American Cancer Society.Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the breast.Bitler MP, Carpenter CS.Health insurance mandates, mammography, and breast cancer diagnoses.Am Econ J Econ Policy. 2016;8(3):39–68. doi:10.1257/pol.20120298Nagger S, Bali IK, Arun P, et al.Clinico-pathological study on benign breast diseases in Gurugram NCR.IOSR J Dent Med Serv. 2018;17(4):59-62. doi:10.9790/0853-1704085962American Cancer Society.Core needle biopsy of the breast.American Cancer Society.Surgical breast biopsy.Vallacha A, Haider G, Raja W, Kumar D.Quality of breast cancer surgical pathology reports.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(3):853–858. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.3.853InformedHealth.org.Metastatic breast cancer: overview.
Casaubon JT.Fine needle aspiration of breast masses. StatPearls.
American Cancer Society.Fibrocystic changes in the breast.
National Breast Cancer Foundation.Breast biopsy.
American Cancer Society.Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the breast.
Bitler MP, Carpenter CS.Health insurance mandates, mammography, and breast cancer diagnoses.Am Econ J Econ Policy. 2016;8(3):39–68. doi:10.1257/pol.20120298
Nagger S, Bali IK, Arun P, et al.Clinico-pathological study on benign breast diseases in Gurugram NCR.IOSR J Dent Med Serv. 2018;17(4):59-62. doi:10.9790/0853-1704085962
American Cancer Society.Core needle biopsy of the breast.
American Cancer Society.Surgical breast biopsy.
Vallacha A, Haider G, Raja W, Kumar D.Quality of breast cancer surgical pathology reports.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(3):853–858. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.3.853
InformedHealth.org.Metastatic breast cancer: overview.
MedlinePlus.Breast biopsy - ultrasound.
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