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 for examination. This technique is often used for diagnosing conditions in organs like the thyroid, breast, or lymph nodes. FNA is minimally invasive and typically performed in a doctor's office or clinic. The procedure usually requires little to no anesthesia and has a low risk of complications. The collected samples are then analyzed under a microscope to help determine the nature of the abnormality.