Highly recommend this facility! The doctors were professional and comforting, making the biopsy process much easier than I expected. I was thrilled with the quick turnaround for my results.
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Laura Mitchell
Nov 15, 2022
I had a wonderful experience at OCC. The staff was kind, and I received my FNA results the same day, which really eased my anxiety!
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need to be fasting for the FNA procedure?
There is no restriction before or after the procedure, you can eat, drink and take your medications.
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Can I drive to the appointment?
Yes, you can drive yourself to the appointment.
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Do I need any time off from work in preparation for the procedure?
There is no need for any time off from work, you can simply go back to work after your procedure.
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How long does it take for the results to come back?
You will have preliminary results before you leave your appointment; additionally, the doctor will be available to discuss any follow-up questions you may have.
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Is fine needle aspiration biopsy painful?
No, the procedure is well tolerated by most of our patients. We use a local anesthetic/numbing spray on the skin in preparation for the biopsy.
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Can a fine needle aspiration biopsy detect lymphoma/cancer?
Yes, this is one of the main reasons fine needle biopsies are performed. Additionally, flow cytometry and cell block material can be collected at time of procedure to add more information on types of lymphomas/cancers detected.
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What is fine needle aspiration biopsy?
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a non-surgical/ minimally invasive procedure by which a sample of tissue is obtained by placing a very fine gauge needle into the lump for a few seconds to draw out cells for examination under the microscope. The procedure is fast, convenient, safe and well-tolerated by patients. No anesthesia or hospitalization is required. Patients can return to work immediately after the FNA biopsy.
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Can a fine needle aspiration spread cancer?
Highly unlikely as the needle gauge is very fine (smaller than the usual gauge used to give blood or vaccines). Moreover, the procedure is ultrasound-guided, targeting the exact area in question/concern.
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What size of needle is used for fine needle aspiration biopsy?
The size of the needle is very fine. For thyroid biopsies, we usually use 27 gauge needles, for other sites we usually use 25 gauge needles.
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Why might you need a fine needle aspiration biopsy?
If you or your doctor discover a lump, it is important to determine whether or not it is a tumor—either benign or malignant—and gain information necessary for making a treatment plan.