Expert FNA Biopsy Services in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a serene escape with breathtaking ocean views and creative vibrancy, but when a health concern like a lump arises, seeking specialized care becomes crucial. For Laguna Beach residents, a short trip to Beverly Hills to visit Dr. Celina Nadelman, a board-certified cytopathologist and FNA specialist, offers both peace of mind and expert care.
Why Choose Dr. Nadelman for Your FNA Biopsy in Laguna Beach?
Dual Expertise: Dr. Nadelman is uniquely qualified, blending her cytopathology and FNA skills to deliver accurate, efficient, and compassionate care. Her experience in performing ultrasound-guided FNA allows her to ensure a precise diagnosis with minimal discomfort.
Rapid Appointments: Many biopsy centers have long waiting lists, but at Dr. Nadelman’s clinic, patients are typically seen within 24-48 hours, offering quick and reliable results.
Accurate Diagnoses: As an FNA specialist and cytopathologist, Dr. Nadelman can immediately evaluate the biopsy sample and provide an accurate, fast diagnosis, reducing the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompanies the biopsy process.
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.
A Quick and Worthwhile Trip from Laguna Beach to Beverly Hills
Though Laguna Beach is known for its beauty and laid-back lifestyle, finding a highly qualified FNA biopsy specialist in town can be a challenge. Thankfully, the short trip to Beverly Hills is worth the journey to receive world-class care. After your visit, enjoy a relaxing day at Laguna Beach’s iconic spots, such as Main Beach or the Laguna Art Museum, knowing that your health is in good hands.
The Benefits of FNA Over Surgical Biopsy
- Less Invasive: FNA uses a fine needle, ensuring a minimal incision and reducing recovery time.
- Faster Recovery: Since FNA is less invasive, patients often experience less discomfort and quicker recovery compared to traditional biopsies. Lower Cost: FNA is a more cost-effective option than surgical biopsies.
- Quick Results: With FNA, results are typically available within days, helping you avoid long waiting periods.
Why Choose a Cytopathologist for Your FNA Biopsy?
When it comes to FNA biopsies, it’s essential to work with a cytopathologist like Dr. Nadelman. Her specialized training ensures precise sample interpretation, minimizing the need for repeat biopsies and giving patients confidence in their results. Without a cytopathologist’s expertise, the risk of inadequate samples is higher, which could lead to delayed or missed diagnoses.
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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 Laguna Beach, CA
For fast, accurate, and compassionate biopsy services, contact Dr. Celina Nadelman today to schedule your FNA biopsy near Laguna Beach. Call us at 310.742.1979 for immediate scheduling.
Directions from Laguna Beach to Dr. Nadelman’s Clinic in Beverly Hills:
- Head north on CA-133 N toward I-405 N.
- Merge onto I-405 N and continue towards Wilshire Blvd.
- Exit at Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills.
- Arrive at 8670 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA.
Fast, Personalized Care for Laguna Beach Residents
Many biopsy centers struggle with long wait times, leading to delays in patient care and diagnosis. At Dr. Nadelman’s clinic, we prioritize patients by offering appointments within 24-48 hours, ensuring that you receive the care and results you need without delay. Whether you need an FNA biopsy for a suspicious lump or want an expert opinion, our team provides efficient and compassionate care.