Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Doctor in Pasadena, CA
Finding a lump or experiencing unexplained swelling can be overwhelming. For residents in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Celina Nadelman offers a trusted option for accurate and timely diagnoses with Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsies. Whether addressing thyroid nodules, swollen lymph nodes, or other concerns, Dr. Nadelman ensures patients receive personalized care and fast results in a compassionate environment.
Why Choose FNA with Dr. Celina Nadelman?
Dr. Nadelman is a board-certified cytopathologist and a leading FNA biopsy specialist. She provides patients in Pasadena with unmatched expertise and care, offering:
Accurate Diagnoses: With dual roles as both the biopsy provider and interpreter, Dr. Nadelman ensures precision every step of the way.
Quick Results: Most preliminary diagnoses are available within 24 hours, minimizing patient anxiety.
Minimally Invasive Techniques: FNA is a quick and efficient procedure, requiring no significant recovery time.
Convenience for Pasadena Patients: Next-day appointments are available, and her Beverly Hills office is just a short drive from Pasadena.
STEPS TO YOUR BIOPSY
In order to determine whether a lump is malignant, cancerous cells from the area must be examined under a microscope. Those cells can be obtained with a surgical biopsy or an FNA biopsy. An FNA biopsy is done in a doctor’s office with a very thin needle. Not only can the appointment be made within days, it is much less uncomfortable, and has less risk of bleeding or trauma to the tissue.From the patient’s perspective, an FNA is faster, can be performed in a doctor’s office, is less expensive and there is less tissue trauma than with a more invasive surgical biopsy.
The Importance of Choosing a Cytopathologist in Pasadena
While many doctors can perform biopsies, Dr. Celina Nadelman’s dual expertise as a board-certified cytopathologist and FNA specialist sets her apart. In Pasadena, patients benefit from her unique ability to both perform the biopsy and provide precise diagnostic interpretations in a single visit. This streamlined process minimizes the risk of inadequate samples or diagnostic errors, ensuring patients receive the most accurate and reliable care possible.
Fast, Personalized Care in Pasadena, CA
Traveling to Beverly Hills might feel like a short journey, but for Pasadena residents, it’s a step toward receiving top-tier, specialized care. With Dr. Celina Nadelman, you can expect a seamless, personalized experience, from the procedure to the diagnosis. Patients benefit from timely and accurate results, often delivered within 48 hours, ensuring peace of mind and swift action when it matters most.
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FAQ’s on Fine Needle Aspiration
Fine Needle Aspiration is a method of taking a small amount of tissue from a lump in the body. A very thin needle is inserted into the lump and tissue is dislodged by movement of the needle and/or by gentle suction. The tissue is then examined microscopically by a pathologist. The pathologist will make a diagnosis (find out the cause of the lump) and send a report to your doctor.
No, the procedure is completely painless. However, the needles used in FNA are very thin. Also, for your comfort, local anesthesia is often used before the FNA. If you are sore after the procedure, a simple pain reliever such as Tylenol (no nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, i.e. Advil) or an ice pack may alleviate mild symptoms.
Most doctors consider FNA to be a very good test. Overall, it is about 90-95% accurate when the aspiration and interpretation are done by an experienced cytopathologist. There is a small chance (usually less than 10%, depending on the size, location and nature of the lump) that the FNA will not be interpreted as cancer when cancer is there. Very rarely (usually less than 1% of the cases), FNA may be falsely interpreted as cancer when cancer is not there. Your doctor will use the results of the FNA and other clinical information to determine if further tests or treatment are necessary.
As with any procedure in which the skin is broken (like having your blood drawn), there is always a risk of pain, bleeding, bruising or slight tenderness at the aspiration site. Very rarely, an infection may occur after an FNA. However, the benefits of the FNA far outweigh the risks.
The alternative is to do a surgical biopsy, which is done with a much larger needle or by an operation. Surgery is more invasive, has more complications, and may take a while to schedule. A FNA is simpler, less expensive, has fewer complications and faster.
Generally, you may engage in your normal activities, including eating and drinking before and after the procedure. The only special precaution is to avoid taking anything that would increase bleeding such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Alieve, fish oil, vitamin E, etc., from about a week before the appointment (or the time your appointment is made), to a few days after the procedure. This may be helpful in limiting any additional bruising from the procedure. Moreover, you may resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
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).
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.
Yes, we accept Medicare and most PPO plans. Contact our office to confirm. 310.789.2046
Dr. Nadelman Services All of Pasadena, CA
For fast, accurate, and compassionate biopsy services, contact Dr. Celina Nadelman today to schedule your FNA biopsy near Pasadena. Call us at 310.742.1979 for immediate scheduling.
Directions from Pasadena to Dr. Nadelman’s Clinic:
- Begin by taking CA-110 S from Pasadena.
- Merge onto I-10 W toward Santa Monica.
- Take exit 6 toward La Cienega Blvd.
- Arrive at 8670 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, for your appointment.
Skip the Long Wait Times
At larger medical centers in Pasadena, wait times for biopsies can extend for weeks, leaving patients feeling anxious and uncertain. By choosing Dr. Nadelman’s services, you gain access to swift, specialized care that addresses your health concerns efficiently. Unlike the disconnected experience of larger institutions, Dr. Nadelman offers personalized, accurate care with a compassionate touch, ensuring you’re treated with the urgency and expertise you deserve.
