Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA)
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive biopsy procedure that allows for the precise evaluation of suspicious lumps and nodules in the thyroid, breast, lymph nodes, and salivary glands. Dr. Celina Nadelman, a board-certified cytopathologist and FNA specialist, provides highly accurate, same-day fine needle aspiration biopsies with preliminary results available within 24 hours.
Many major hospitals and diagnostic centers have long wait times, sometimes months, for a biopsy. But cancer cannot wait. At Dr. Nadelman’s practice, patients receive fast, personalized care with next-day appointments, avoiding the delays and anxiety caused by conventional biopsy centers.


What Is Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)?
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a highly precise, minimally invasive biopsy procedure used to evaluate suspicious lumps, nodules, and masses in the body. Using a thin, hollow needle (typically 27 to 23 gauge), this procedure extracts cells from abnormal tissues for examination under a microscope. Unlike core needle biopsies or surgical biopsies, FNA requires no incisions, stitches, or prolonged recovery time.
Dr. Celina Nadelman, a board-certified cytopathologist and FNA specialist, personally performs and interprets each biopsy, ensuring rapid and accurate results. With ultrasound guidance, FNA provides a high level of precision, making it a preferred diagnostic tool for evaluating potential malignancies in the thyroid, breast, lymph nodes, and salivary glands.
Because cancer symptoms can be silent, early detection is critical. FNA allows patients and physicians to receive answers quickly, guiding treatment decisions without unnecessary delays.
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Why Choose FNA Over Other Biopsy Methods?

1. Fast & Efficient
Unlike traditional biopsies, which can take weeks to schedule and require lengthy processing times, FNA is performed in minutes in an outpatient setting. Patients can return to daily activities immediately, avoiding hospital stays and long recovery periods.
2. Same-Day or Next-Day Appointments
Many major hospitals and imaging centers have 6-month wait times for a biopsy. Dr. Nadelman provides same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring faster diagnosis and peace of mind.
3. Preliminary Results Within 24 Hours
Waiting for biopsy results can be stressful. Unlike hospital-based pathology labs that may take weeks to process samples, Dr. Nadelman’s practice delivers preliminary results within 24 hours, helping patients and referring physicians make informed decisions sooner.
4. Minimally Invasive with No Scarring
FNA requires only a tiny needle puncture, eliminating the need for surgical incisions, stitches, or a long recovery. There is little to no scarring, making it an ideal choice for cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the neck, breast, and face.
5. No General Anesthesia Required
Many surgical biopsies require general anesthesia, increasing the risks of complications. FNA is performed with only local anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort and safety while reducing unnecessary medical risks.
6. Highly Accurate When Performed by a Specialist
While some doctors can perform FNA, not all are trained cytopathologists. Dr. Nadelman’s extensive experience in pathology and cytology ensures the highest level of diagnostic accuracy, reducing false negatives and inconclusive results.
7. Cost-Effective & Insurance-Friendly
Hospital-based biopsies can be expensive, requiring surgical suites, additional staff, and facility fees. FNA is significantly more affordable, eliminating unnecessary medical costs while still providing gold-standard diagnostic accuracy.
8. Ideal for Ongoing Monitoring
For conditions like thyroid nodules and certain breast lumps, repeat biopsies may be necessary for long-term monitoring. Because FNA is minimally invasive, it can be safely repeated without complications, providing ongoing surveillance of suspicious growths.
Dr. Nadelman’s FNA expertise ensures that each biopsy is performed with precision, reducing the need for repeat procedures and unnecessary surgeries.
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What Conditions Can FNA Diagnose?

Fine Needle Aspiration is a first-line diagnostic tool for evaluating:
1. Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are extremely common, with over 50% of adults developing at least one in their lifetime. While most are benign, FNA can quickly determine whether a nodule requires further treatment. Common findings include:
- Benign thyroid nodules: No treatment needed, monitored with ultrasound.
- Thyroid cancer: Early detection leads to better outcomes and treatment options.
2. Breast Lumps
Breast lumps can be caused by benign cysts, fibroadenomas, or malignancies. FNA provides a fast and reliable diagnosis, allowing for immediate treatment planning if necessary.
3. Lymph Node Abnormalities
Lymph node enlargement may indicate:
- Infections or inflammatory conditions
- Metastatic cancer spread from another site
- Lymphoma (a type of blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system)
FNA can differentiate between these causes, helping doctors determine the best course of action for swollen lymph nodes.
4. Salivary Gland Tumors
Swollen salivary glands or painful parotid or submandibular glands can signal benign or malignant growths. FNA provides a quick, non-invasive diagnosis, preventing unnecessary surgeries.
Dr. Nadelman’s expertise in ultrasound-guided biopsies ensures precise needle placement, significantly reducing the likelihood of non-diagnostic samples and the need for repeat procedures.

Why Accuracy Matters: The Role of an Interventional Pathologist
While many doctors can perform FNA, few possess the specialized training of an interventional pathologist. Dr. Celina Nadelman is a board-certified cytopathologist and FNA specialist, uniquely trained to:
- Perform biopsies with precision: Reducing false negatives and repeat procedures.
- Analyze samples immediately: Providing real-time on-site evaluation (ROSE).
- Ensure the highest diagnostic accuracy: Avoiding delays from inconclusive results.
Many general practitioners and endocrinologists lack the expertise to properly collect and analyze FNA samples, leading to high rates of non-diagnostic results. Dr. Nadelman’s advanced training ensures the most accurate diagnosis possible.

The Benefits of FNA with Dr. Celina Nadelman
1. Immediate Appointments, No Waiting for Answers
Most hospitals and imaging centers have a 6-month wait for a biopsy. Dr. Nadelman offers same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring you get diagnosed quickly.
2. Expert-Led Biopsies
Unlike at large hospitals, where technicians perform biopsies, Dr. Nadelman personally conducts every procedure, guaranteeing the highest level of expertise.
3. Faster, More Accurate Results
With in-house pathology review, preliminary results are often available within 24 hours, eliminating weeks of waiting for a diagnosis.
4. Compassionate, Personalized Care
Patients often feel anxious about biopsies. Dr. Nadelman ensures a calm, professional, and reassuring experience, addressing concerns with clear communication and expert guidance.
5. Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Capabilities
- Molecular testing to assess tumor aggressiveness.
- Advanced cytopathology techniques for more precise diagnoses.
Frequently Asked Questions About FNA Biopsy
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