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Fine-Needle Aspiration

Fine-needle aspiration is a method of collecting cells from the breast, liver, mouth, neck, lymph nodes, genitals, respiratory tract, or thyroid to look for signs of cancer, infection, or other conditions. During a fine-needle aspiration, a health professional inserts a thin needle into a suspicious lump and removes cells that are then examined under a microscope.

Last Revised: March 29, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & C. Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, FACS - General Surgery

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