FAQs - Dr. Nadelman

Q: When should I see an FNA thyroid doctor about a nodule?

You should discuss a thyroid nodule with your physician if it is newly discovered, growing, causing symptoms, or has concerning ultrasound characteristics. Whether Fine Needle Aspiration is appropriate depends on the complete clinical picture rather than on a single finding.

Q: How quickly can I get thyroid FNA results from Dr. Nadelman?

Dr. Nadelman typically provides preliminary biopsy results within 24 hours. Because she performs the Fine Needle Aspiration and evaluates the specimen herself, the diagnostic process does not require the same handoffs between separate biopsy and pathology providers.

Q: Is thyroid cancer treatable when detected early?

Many thyroid cancers are highly treatable, particularly when they are identified early and accurately classified. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific type of thyroid cancer and the individual patient's findings.

Q: How does Fine Needle Aspiration help diagnose thyroid cancer?

Fine Needle Aspiration collects cells directly from a thyroid nodule for examination under a microscope by a cytopathologist. This provides information that imaging alone cannot provide and can help determine whether a nodule is benign, suspicious, malignant, or needs additional evaluation.

Q: Does having a thyroid nodule mean I have thyroid cancer?

No. Most thyroid nodules are benign. A nodule may be monitored with ultrasound or evaluated with Fine Needle Aspiration depending on its appearance, size, changes over time, and your individual medical history.

Q: Does a thyroid FNA sample always provide a definite diagnosis?

Not always. Some samples are classified as atypical, indeterminate, suspicious, or non-diagnostic rather than clearly benign or malignant. These categories help physicians determine whether monitoring, repeat FNA, additional testing, or treatment should be considered.

Q: How quickly are thyroid FNA samples evaluated?

Dr. Nadelman typically provides preliminary results within 24 hours. Because she performs the biopsy and interprets the cytology herself, the sample does not need to move between separate biopsy and pathology providers before preliminary findings can be communicated.

Q: What happens if there are not enough cells in my thyroid FNA sample?

An inadequate sample can result in a non-diagnostic biopsy. Because Dr. Nadelman performs Rapid On Site Evaluation, she can assess specimen adequacy while the patient is still in the office and collect additional material during the same visit when necessary.

Q: Why does a cytopathologist need to examine thyroid biopsy cells?

A cytopathologist is trained to recognize microscopic cellular patterns that help distinguish benign thyroid tissue from atypical, suspicious, or malignant findings. This microscopic examination provides information that ultrasound imaging alone cannot provide.

Q: What happens to my thyroid FNA sample immediately after the biopsy?

The collected cellular material is transferred to microscope slides and prepared so the cells can be examined by a cytopathologist. At Dr. Nadelman's practice, the sample is also evaluated during the appointment to make sure adequate diagnostic material has been obtained.

FNA Biopsy Resources

Helpful Links

FNA Biopsy Resources

Helpful Links