Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a medical procedure used to collect samples from lumps or masses in the body. A thin, hollow needle is inserted into the area of concern, allowing a small amount of tissue or fluid to be drawn out. This technique is often used for diagnosing conditions in organs like the thyroid or breast and is less invasive than traditional biopsies.
The samples obtained through FNA are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This helps doctors determine whether the cells are normal or if there are signs of cancer or other diseases. FNA is quick, usually performed in an outpatient setting, and has minimal recovery time.