Fine Needle Aspiration
Full Form of FNA
What is FNA?
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to obtain cell samples from suspicious lumps or masses in the body. In India, FNA is widely employed in pathology and oncology for evaluating thyroid nodules, breast lumps, lymph nodes, and other superficial lesions. The procedure involves inserting a thin, hollow needle into the target area and extracting a small number of cells, which are then examined under a microscope. It is preferred over surgical biopsy due to its safety, cost-effectiveness, and quick recovery time. FNA is commonly performed in outpatient settings, often guided by ultrasound for precision. The technique is especially valuable in rural and peri-urban Indian clinics, where access to advanced imaging may be limited. For medical students and pathology residents, understanding FNA is essential, as it appears frequently in postgraduate entrance exams and in clinical practice for early cancer diagnosis. The turnaround time for results is typically a few days, making it a practical tool for timely treatment decisions. However, FNA has limitations, such as the possibility of inadequate samples or false negatives, so it is often combined with other tests like core needle biopsy. Overall, FNA plays a critical role in India's healthcare system by enabling affordable and accurate diagnosis of malignancies and infections.
FNA का फुल फॉर्म
फाइन नीडल एस्पिरेशन (सूक्ष्म सुई आकांक्षा)
Example
The doctor recommended an FNA of the thyroid nodule to rule out cancer before surgery.