TIRADS (ACR TI-RADS) is a standardized system used to assess thyroid ultrasound findings and manage thyroid nodules based on malignancy risk.

FAQs 6 - Dr. Nadelman

Q: Will I need stitches after FNA?

No. FNA does not require incisions, stitches, or surgical recovery.

Q: How long does an FNA biopsy take?

The procedure itself takes only 10-15 minutes, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.

Q: What is active surveillance for thyroid nodules?

Active surveillance involves monitoring small thyroid nodules over time, delaying FNA or surgery until they grow or show new features such as echogenic foci or increased vascularity.

Q: Can small thyroid nodules be dangerous?

Yes. Even small or TR4 thyroid nodules can be malignant, particularly when they show irregular margins or echogenic foci on ultrasound.

Q: What is the role of FNA in thyroid nodule diagnosis?

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive biopsy that determines whether a thyroid nodule is benign or malignant using cytopathologic analysis.

Q: Does size matter when it comes to thyroid nodules?

While nodule size helps determine biopsy eligibility, it is not the sole predictor of malignancy. Other TI-RADS features, such as echogenic foci and composition, are also critical.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept Medicare and most PPO plans. Contact our office to confirm. 310.789.2046

Q: How long will it take to get my results?

After the biopsy sample has been obtained and you have left the office, all the slides prepared will be thoroughly examined and interpreted by the cytopathologist, Dr. Nadelman. A preliminary report can be telephoned to your doctor shortly after the FNA procedure (often within 24 hours). Because of the detailed evaluation involved and the possibility of additional studies, a final written report may require a few days (2-4 days) to complete, but is usually done in 48 hours. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a diagnostic part of a complete evaluation of the specific site of concern indicated by your referring doctor. Therefore, the results will be given to your doctor and should be discussed with him or her. If you would like to receive your results directly, in addition, you may make a follow up appointment with Dr. Nadelman. Our goal is to care for you in the best, most efficient, yet personalized manner. If you have any further questions please contact us.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

Depending on what type of lesion (lump) it is and where it is in the body, the actual biopsy takes only a few minutes. However, since the FNA is being performed by a cytopathologist, (Dr. Nadelman), the material is checked immediately under the microscope as you wait, to ensure that there is enough material to make a diagnosis later on. This is done to decrease the chance of having to come back for a repeat FNA because of not enough material. Due to this, the procedure may take up to 45 minutes (per site).

FNA Biopsy Resources

Helpful Links

FNA Biopsy Resources

Helpful Links