Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA)

At OCC, we perform over 2,900 Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsies each year. Patients arrive at OCC from all over northeast Tennessee and western North Carolina, as well as surrounding states including Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina. Full work-up of the FNA specimen is performed at OCC. Special studies such as immunocytochemical stains, flow cytometry and mycobacterial, fungal and bacterial cultures are obtained when needed. In addition to aspiration biopsy of palpable masses from any palpable body site, ultrasound guided aspiration biopsies of non-palpable lesions are also routinely performed at OCC. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of masses is an efficient and cost-effective way of obtaining tissue for diagnosis. Based on the microscopic features of the cells aspirated, a diagnosis can usually be rendered. A major advantage of having an aspiration biopsy done at OCC is that preliminary results are usually available while the patient is still at the office; this avoids the anxiety provoked by waiting for results when biopsies are performed elsewhere. A second advantage to having your biopsy at OCC is that a comprehensive work-up of the biopsy is possible since the pathologist is the physician triaging the specimen for specialized studies at the time of your visit. This immediate triage of the specimen markedly decreases the subsequent need for a repeat FNA biopsy or a surgical biopsy.