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Fine Needle Biopsy

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Procedure

Fine Needle Biopsy

(FNB)

Definition

A biopsy is a procedure to remove a tissue sample. In a fine needle biopsy (FNB), fluid and cells are removed with a thin, hollow needle.

Fine Needle Biopsy of the Breast

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Nucleus factsheet imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=74117411si55551829.jpgsi55551829.jpgNULLjpgsi55551829.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si55551829.jpgNULL13NULL2008-11-072593907411_39734Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

FNB is used to look at the tissue of an organ or tumor. The sample may show unusual cells, disease, infection, or swelling.

It may also be done to find out how some treatments are working.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Long term health issues such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The medical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
  • Fasting before the test, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

  • A sedative—you will feel relaxed
  • Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed

Description of the Procedure

You may be asked to drink contrast material. This will make images clearer.

Images may be taken to help guide the needle. This may be done with an ultrasound, x-ray, or CT scan.

You will be put in a position that helps the doctor see the site. You will be asked to stay still. A thin, hollow needle will be inserted through the skin to the site. The needle may need to be inserted more than once. The images may be checked to make sure the needle is in the right place. Tissue or fluid will be drawn through the needle. The needle will be removed after the sample is taken. The site will be bandaged. The sample will be sent to a lab.

How Long Will It Take?

How long it takes will depend on the site:

  • Simple FNB of a site that is close to the surface of the skin may take a few minutes
  • Deeper FNB or one that is guided by an ultrasound or CT scan may take 30 to 90 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Mild pain is common in the first 2 days. Medicine and self care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

Most people can go home the same day. People may need to stay longer if there are any problems.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will be able to go home when the anesthesia wears off.

At Home

Activity should be limited for the rest of the day. It will take two days for the discomfort to go away.

Problems to Look Out For

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Pain, redness, swelling, heat, discharge, or any red streaks at the site of the needle insertion
  • New or unexpected symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Biopsy for breast cancer diagnosis: Fine needle aspiration biopsy. UCSF Health website. Available at: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/biopsy_for_breast_cancer_diagnosis/fine_needle_aspiration_biopsy/index.html.
  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/content/fine-needle-aspiration.
  • Palpable mass evaluation in women. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/palpable-breast-mass-evaluation-in-women.
  • Tani, E., Fuentes-Martinez, N., et. al. A review of the use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of mammary tumors for diagnosis and research. Acta Cytologica, 2017; 61: 305-315.
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.