WHAT IS BREAST ULTRASOUND GUIDED FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA)?

A Breast Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a quick and simple procedure to remove fluid or cells from a breast lesion or cyst (a lump, sore or swelling) with a fine needle similar to a blood sample needle. The sample fluid or cells are sent to a pathology laboratory to be examined by a specialist doctor (a cytologist).

An FNA is performed to help determine the nature or diagnosis of the lesion and to plan treatment if necessary. Breast FNA may also be used to aspirate a cyst using the needle draw fluid from the cyst to remove it completely or relieve discomfort if the cyst is large and tender.

The doctor may use ultrasound guidance for the FNA. This shows an image of the inside of your breast on a screen to allow the doctor to visualise the needle is going into the lesion.

BEFORE A BREAST ULTRASOUND GUIDED FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA)

A doctor’s referral and an appointment are required for this examination.

Please let us know when making your appointment if you are taking any medications that thin your blood, or make you bruise or bleed easily.

Please also bring along your request form, any previous imaging, and your Medicare card/any concession cards to your appointment.

DURING A BREAST ULTRASOUND GUIDED FIND NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA)

When you arrive at New Medical Imaging Clinic you will be asked to remove all jewellery and clothing from the waist up and change into a loose-fitting examination gown. The procedure will be explained, and you will be asked to lie on the examination table.

The skin of your breast will be washed with antiseptic. A thin needle (similar to a needle used for taking a blood sample), is placed through the skin into the breast using ultrasound guidance, to sample the area of interest. The needle stays in the breast for a short time, while it is gently moved back and forth to enable cells to be collected.

Please allow about an hour for the procedure.

AFTER A BREAST ULTRASOUND GUIDED FIND NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA)

After your Breast FNA procedure, the biopsy site may be tender or show some bruising. You may place an ice pack over the site for no more than 20 minutes. To relieve any discomfort we suggest taking Paracetamol; otherwise, no special care is required.

• You will be able to leave the clinic immediately after the procedure
• You may drive yourself home after the procedure
• You may resume your normal activities
• You may remove the adhesive dressing the evening of the FNA

If your breast becomes red, swollen or tender in the days after your FNA, please consult your referring doctor or contact the New Medical Imaging Clinic to review the Breast FNA site.

The results from the FNA will be provided directly to your referring doctor by the Pathology provider that the sample is sent to. Results from the FNA are usually available within 36 hours but can take up to 5 days.

Sometimes the results from the FNA may be inconclusive and require repeat or further tests.

Please ensure that you make a follow up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your results.

PATIENT SAFETY

Breast FNA is a safe procedure, it is common to get a small bruise on the skin following an FNA and occasionally a bruise may develop in the breast tissue which causes a tender lump. This usually settles within a few days. Infection is rare following FNA.

Please let your doctor know if you develop any concerning symptoms after the FNA.