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Fine needle aspiration

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) involves using a fine gauge needle and syringe to remove a sample of fluid from a breast cyst or to remove clusters of cells from a solid mass. The needle used is smaller than a needle used to take a blood sample. The sample is analysed in the laboratory.

FNA is a quick method and results are rapidly available. It is excellent at confirming breast cysts however the small sample size may be inadequate for accurate diagnosis.

These ultrasound images show the removal of fluid from a cyst during FNA.

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