Your doctor has referred you to Basildon Hospital to have some tests done on a lump that has been discovered. This leaflet will explain the procedure and attempt to answer any questions you may have.

What is Fine Needle Aspiration?
This is a quick, reliable method of diagnosing lumps that have been discovered by either you or your doctor.

What is the purpose of FNA?
When a lump is detected, possible treatment varies from observing the lump over a period of time or by removing it surgically.

The FNA procedure is the method used to obtain a tiny sample of fluid from the lump. This is then examined under the microscope to allow the decision about treatment to be made.

What is the FNA procedure like?
The lump will first be examined by a Consultant Histopathologist.

The area is cleansed with alcohol and an anaesthetic sprayed on the area to make it numb. Then a fine, hollow needle used to collect the tissue. (This needle is much smaller than those used to collect blood samples).

The needle may have to pass into the lump several times to collect enough material (cells) for a diagnosis to be made.

These cells will be spread on glass slides and stained with dyes to make them visible under the microscope.

Who will be there during the procedure?
The Consultant Histopathologist, a nurse and a member of the laboratory staff who is responsible for preparing the specimen.

You may also choose to have a friend or relative with you.

The Histopathologist will explain the procedure in more detail and will answer any questions that you may have.

There may be at times other members of staff who are undergoing training in the technique.  These may be either a Histopathologist or member of the laboratory staff.  You can refuse to have the trainees present without this affecting your treatment in any way.

The examination room is small and can sometimes seem quite crowded but your privacy and dignity will be respected at all times.

After the procedure is finished you will be asked to arrange a follow up appointment.

When will I be told the result?
When all the test findings have been received, the Consultant staff meet together to discuss them.  Only after this will you be told the result, which will be in the form of a letter to you. Go to your GP if you have not received the result 10 days after having the test.

Will there be any after effects?
Some patients experience some pain, discomfort and bruising to the area afterwards.  The pain should get better within a few days and simple pain relief tablets, such as paracetamol, may be taken, if required.  The bruising may however last for a couple of weeks after the FNA procedure has been done.