What is Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Biopsy?
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the most commonly used technique for performing a breast biopsy.
For a palpable breast lump, a fine needle is inserted through the skin and directed towards the suspicious area. When this needle reaches the mass, the doctor suctions out a sample with the help of syringe, which is then sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
If the lump is non-palpable, the procedure is done with the help of imaging techniques-
- Stereotactic mammography involves using computers to pinpoint the exact location of a breast mass based on mammograms (X-rays) taken from two different angles. The computer will help the physician to guide the needle to the correct area in the breast.
- With ultrasound, the radiologist or surgeon will view the needle on the ultrasound monitor to help guide it to the area of biopsy.
Advantages of FNAC-
- FNAC is the fastest and easiest method of breast biopsy, and the results are rapidly available.
- FNAC is excellent for confirming breast cysts, and since the procedure does not require stitches, patients are usually able to resume normal activity almost immediately after the procedure.
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Disadvantage of FNAC-
- The procedure only removes very small samples of tissue or cells from the breast.
- The procedure is ideal if the sample is benign fluid (for example, a cyst). However, in cases when the tissue is solid, then the results of the test allows only for a cytological (cell) diagnosis. This can be an incomplete assessment because the cells cannot be evaluated in relation to the surrounding tissue.
