FNAB is an excellent way to evaluate lumps because of its simplicity, ease, safety, and accuracy. FNAB, while not painless, should involve minimal discomfort since Dr. Hall routinely uses a needle thinner than needles used to draw blood. A local anesthetic is generally not necessary or advisable, since its administration may cause as much discomfort as the FNAB itself. A diagnosis is usually made within hours, thus providing the referring physician with valuable information with which to manage the patient's health care properly and promptly. FNAB is very cost-effective and may prevent the patient from having to undergo additional testing or an open surgical biopsy.
Lumps have many causes.
In broad terms, lumps may be the result of inflammation, infection, a growth of benign cells, or a growth of malignant cells. Most lumps are not malignant, that is, most lumps are not cancerous. However, it is important that the referring physician know the underlying cause or nature of the lump if the patient is to be treated appropriately. FNAB may be one of the many tests used by physicians to reach a diagnosis. After pertinent medical history has been reviewed and the patient's lump has been located, Dr. Hall will decide whether or not FNAB is appropriate.