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Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
Make it clearer
Fine-needle aspiration uses a thin needle to remove fluid, cells, or very small tissue fragments from an area. Picture using a narrow straw to collect loose material: the laboratory mainly receives separated cells and examines them under a microscope.
A core needle biopsy removes a larger cylinder of tissue, like taking a tiny core from a wall. That piece preserves more of the tissue's architecture. These samples are different and do not answer exactly the same questions.
In brief
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure that uses a thin needle to remove fluid, cells, or tiny tissue fragments. The collected material is then prepared for examination under a microscope.
Unlike a core needle biopsy, aspiration is not intended to remove a larger cylinder that preserves as much tissue architecture as possible. Its main product is dispersed cellular material, so the procedure, the sample, and the diagnostic question must be distinguished.
Sources (2)
- National Cancer InstituteDefinition of fine-needle aspiration biopsy
- National Cancer InstituteHow Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated