Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and biopsy

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and biopsy at the Radiology department
 
Introduction
You will soon be visiting the Radiology Department of Bronovo hospital for a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or biopsy. From the results of previous tests it appears necessary to further examine a particular tissue area (eg. an organ or lymph gland). With FNA a few cells are sucked through a thin needle and in case of a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is taken. A biopsy therefore requires a slightly larger needle. An FNA or biopsy is often carried out under ultrasound- or CT scan-guidance. Your own doctor may have already told you something about this. This leaflet describes the procedure in more detail. Your particular examination may differ slightly from the description below. We recommend you to read the whole leaflet carefully.

Preparation
For FNA or biopsy of certain organs it may be necessary for you to come with an empty stomach. You may contact the Radiology department for the exact preparation in your case. In case of a biopsy, your blood coagulation will be checked in advance.

The examination
When you arrive at the hospital, report first to the reception of the Radiology Department.

During the examination you will be asked to lie (on your back or on your front, depending on the specific problem) on an examination table with the relevant body part exposed. First, the exact puncture area will be determined and disinfected with alcohol or iodine. In the case of a biopsy the skin and subcutaneous fat will be anaesthetized with a local injection of lidocaine, as a small cut will have to be made. Often, a sterile will be placed around the puncture area.
The radiologist then introduces the needle to the area which cells or tissue samples are required from. He does this by using ultrasound or CT scan. (See also the leaflets CT-scan or Echography (ultrasound)). When the target area has been reached, with FNA a few cells are aspirated in the needle (through suction) and with a biopsy a small tissue sample is obtained using a dedicated biopsy spring coil system. The biopsy system will produce a loud click.
The cells or tissue are taken to the laboratory for analysis. After the puncture the skin is cleaned and a  gauze or plaster will be put on the puncture area. Generally a suture is not required.

Is this painful?
In the case of a biopsy the skin will be locally anesthetized. The examination can still be a little painful. An FNA is very much like a blood sample in most cases.

Duration of the procedure
Depending on the complexity of the procedure the duration of the examination varies between 5 to 30 minutes.

Afterwards
After FNA you do not need to stay in the hospital. After larger biopsies a hospital bed will be reserved for you. You have to lie flat for a few hours to minimize the risk of a secondary bleed. If necessary, you may take paracetamol. The plaster can be removed after a few hours.

Risks
Echography uses ultrasound waves, not X-rays and has been used for medical purposes for several decades. So far no harmful effects have been found.
CT scan does use X-rays. These are not without danger but in radiology the risk is negligible. The choice of a particular radiological examination is carefully considered in view of the important information that the examination may provide. If you are pregnant or think you are, please report this before the examination to the Radiology reception desk.

Results
The results of the laboratory analysis of your cells or tissue sample will go to your attending physician, mostly within one week. He or she will discuss the results with you.

Where do I find the Radiology Department?
The Radiology Department is on the ground floor. From the Central Hall take the left-hand corridor. Then turn right by the lifts (corridor D) and report to the reception desk on the left. The route is also signposted.

Final points
The Radiology Department would like to make sure that your appointment runs smoothly. Please be on time, taking into account some possible extra time to park your car. If you are unable to attend, please give us at least 24 hours notice (Mon-Fri).

If you would like more information after reading this leaflet, please call the Radiology Department, during office hours, tel.: +31 (0)70 -312 41 20.

Edition: March 2011/244