FNA (Fine Needle Aspirate)

Category: science

A diagnostic procedure where a small needle is inserted into a mass to harvest cell samples for microscopic evaluation.

An FNA is a quick, low-barrier diagnostic step used to screen skin tumors. The harvested cells are expelled onto a glass slide, stained, and evaluated under a microscope (cytology). This allows the clinician to differentiate a benign lipoma from a dangerous mast cell tumor before planning a full surgical excision.

Common Examples

• We conducted a rapid fine needle aspirate on the lump, confirming via cytology that the mass was a benign sebaceous hyperplasia.
• Failing to execute an FNA prior to cutting can lead to inadequate surgical margins if the mass turns out to be an aggressive sarcoma.