Lump and mass biopsy in Los Angeles

A lump you can feel is common, and the great majority turn out to be benign. The problem is that nothing you or your doctor can do with hands alone will separate the harmless ones from the few that matter. Size, softness and how long it has been there are all suggestive and none of them are proof. Looking at the cells is what settles it.

None of these signs means cancer. They mean the lump has earned a proper look rather than another few months of waiting.

A fine needle aspiration works anywhere a lump can be felt or seen on ultrasound. These are the areas Dr. Nadelman biopsies most often.

Head and neck

The parotid and submandibular glands. Swellings, cysts and inflammation are common, and so are benign tumours such as pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumour. FNA tells you which you are dealing with.

Neck and nodes

Reactive nodes, lymphoma and cancer that has spread from elsewhere all feel similar from the outside. The cells separate them. Lymph node biopsy

Thyroid, breast and soft tissue

Thyroid nodules, breast lumps and soft tissue masses under the skin. Thyroid biopsy and breast biopsy

A fine needle aspiration uses a needle thinner than the one used to draw blood. There is no incision, nothing to stitch, and most people go straight back to work.

Dr. Nadelman examines the lump and looks at it on ultrasound first, so she knows exactly where the needle needs to go.

Local anesthesia, then a few passes with a fine needle. Most people find it easier than a blood draw.

The slides are stained and examined in the office lab while you wait. This is the step that stops an inadequate sample turning into a second appointment.

Preliminary findings usually within 24 hours, sent to whichever physician you name.