The indications for doing a fine needle aspiration biopsy are superficial masses equal to or greater than 1 cm in the thyroid, head and neck, salivary glands, lymph nodes, breast, and extremities/trunk. Often it is the fastest, easiest test to rule in or out malignancy, while being minimally invasive and cost effective.

While FNA may be utilized at any level of the medical management algorithm, it is best performed at the point of initial presentation. When the definitive diagnosis is provided by the Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy at that moment, the patient can be confidently followed clinically or promptly referred for specific procedures or treatment. With recent advances in ancillary testing, such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and molecular studies, FNA can help diagnose, for example, a metastatic carcinoma or lymphoma much faster than more invasive methods. Just as laproscopic surgical techniques are reducing patient complications and improving outcomes, an FNA diagnosis cost effectively reduces patient morbidity and anxiety, as well as expediting appropriate and specific care.