Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can access exceptional care for head and neck lesions, including fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy for advanced diagnostic evaluation. As a global leader in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck conditions.
Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT and head and neck conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists has pioneered many of the otorhinolaryngological techniques used today and is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes. Home to one of the largest and most comprehensive medical center laboratories in the nation, Montefiore Einstein’s team of internationally recognized pathologists has extensive expertise, examining more than 100,000 surgical and cytology specimens (including fine needle aspirations) annually.
At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-based treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety.
When you need care for a head and neck lesion, turn to our dedicated providers who will develop a highly personalized diagnostic and treatment plan.
What Is Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)?
Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a valuable technique used for the diagnosis, staging and follow-up of head and neck lesions. It is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure where a thin needle is used to take a small biopsy (collecting a sample of cells) of tissue or fluid from a suspicious lump or nodule in your head or neck. The tissue sample is then sent to the laboratory for cytologic evaluation. In some cases, genetic/molecular testing of the cells can be performed to help diagnose and guide treatment for certain cancers.
Alongside clinical examination and diagnostic imaging, FNA is often one of the primary techniques used in the initial work-up of head and neck masses to help confirm or exclude a cancer diagnosis. For head and neck lesions that are easily palpable, FNA can be performed with or without image guidance. For deep-seated or poorly localized head and neck lesions, FNA can be performed using real-time, image-guided localization with ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance for increased accuracy.
What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed with FNA?
Fine needle aspiration biopsy can be used to help with the diagnosis and to guide treatment for a wide range of head and neck lesions, including those involving the thyroid, parathyroid, cervical lymph nodes, salivary glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual), oral cavity, skull base and other areas. Head and neck masses can be solid, cystic (or may have components of each) and may arise from malignant and non-malignant processes such as infectious, congenital, traumatic and other benign conditions. Sometimes, if FNA biopsy results cannot confirm a diagnostic, an open or core biopsy or surgery can be considered.
In some cases, FNA can also be used to help remove fluid from certain cysts or abscesses.
What Are the Benefits of FNA?
Fine needle aspiration is associated with low morbidity, can be performed quickly and generally has a relatively high diagnostic accuracy (depending on the location and type of the lesion).