A fine needle aspiration biopsy is a diagnostic tool used for
evaluating suspicious tumors, including mesothelioma tumors. This
relatively simple procedure involves inserting a thin, hollow needle
into the affected area and extracting tissue or fluid samples for
testing. The cells of these samples are reviewed under a microscope and
results can be determined within a few minutes.
A fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and minor surgical procedure that can help mesothelioma and asbestosis patients avoid an open biopsy or core needle biopsy. They are especially helpful for diagnosing pleural mesothelioma because the tumors often develop in hard-to-reach places that might otherwise require more intense surgery. Depending on the type and complexity of the mesothelioma tumor, a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be the only test needed to confirm the presence of cancer. The exact size and location of the tumor, however, must be determined with imaging scans.
The procedure will take a few minutes to complete. If you receive a local anesthetic, a brief sting may be felt by the needle. Additional pressure may be felt as the biopsy needle is inserted. After the biopsy, you may feel soreness for a few days and a bruise might develop. A fine needle aspiration biopsy does not require an extended stay at the hospital and working patients can return to work the next day.
When used as a lung biopsy, which is the case for both pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis, there is a risk of experiencing a collapsed lung. Fine needle aspiration biopsies performed in the upper abdomen near the base of the lung can also result in a collapsed lung. In most cases, the collapse is small and does not require treatment.
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A fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and minor surgical procedure that can help mesothelioma and asbestosis patients avoid an open biopsy or core needle biopsy. They are especially helpful for diagnosing pleural mesothelioma because the tumors often develop in hard-to-reach places that might otherwise require more intense surgery. Depending on the type and complexity of the mesothelioma tumor, a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be the only test needed to confirm the presence of cancer. The exact size and location of the tumor, however, must be determined with imaging scans.
The Procedure
Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area where the needle will puncture the skin. Once the needle is inserted into the tumor area, a small amount of tissue or fluid can be extracted by applying negative pressure on the syringe. If the tumor is small or difficult to find, an imaging device may be used to help direct the needle into the tumor. There is minimal discomfort associated with a fine needle aspiration biopsy.The procedure will take a few minutes to complete. If you receive a local anesthetic, a brief sting may be felt by the needle. Additional pressure may be felt as the biopsy needle is inserted. After the biopsy, you may feel soreness for a few days and a bruise might develop. A fine needle aspiration biopsy does not require an extended stay at the hospital and working patients can return to work the next day.
Risks and Complications
Complications rarely come up during a fine needle aspiration biopsy. Due to the small size of the needle, there is a very slim chance that the cancer may spread through the path of the needle. Other complications can include infection, soreness and bleeding in the form of a bruise. Because of the simplicity of the procedure and the size of the sample extracted, there is the risk of not receiving a definitive diagnosis. Problematic cells can be missed during the extraction and the procedure may need to be repeated. If results remain uncertain, another type of biopsy will be needed.When used as a lung biopsy, which is the case for both pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis, there is a risk of experiencing a collapsed lung. Fine needle aspiration biopsies performed in the upper abdomen near the base of the lung can also result in a collapsed lung. In most cases, the collapse is small and does not require treatment.
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