Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
On this page
Get care
At the UCSF Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Clinic, our cytopathologists – specialized pathologists who diagnose diseases at the cellular level – offer consultation services, evaluate patients and perform same-day fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. For abnormal growths that are not easily felt, ultrasound imaging is used as a guide in doing the biopsy.
In an FNA biopsy, cells are removed from a lump using a needle and syringe. The cells are evaluated under a microscope to determine the nature of the lump. Benign growths, cancers and infections can be diagnosed this way. Special tests can be applied to these small samples to aid in diagnosing and treating cancer, including tumors of the breast, lymph nodes and thyroid. Diagnosis is usually made within two or three days after the procedure.
At the UCSF Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Clinic, our cytopathologists – specialized pathologists who diagnose diseases at the cellular level – offer consultation services, evaluate patients and perform same-day fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. For abnormal growths that are not easily felt, ultrasound imaging is used as a guide in doing the biopsy.
In an FNA biopsy, cells are removed from a lump using a needle and syringe. The cells are evaluated under a microscope to determine the nature of the lump. Benign growths, cancers and infections can be diagnosed this way. Special tests can be applied to these small samples to aid in diagnosing and treating cancer, including tumors of the breast, lymph nodes and thyroid. Diagnosis is usually made within two or three days after the procedure.
Get care
What to expect
Providers
Frederick Baehner, MD
Anatomic Pathology • Cytopathology
Ronald Balassanian, MD
Anatomic Pathology • Cytopathology
Georgios Deftereos, MD
Anatomic Pathology • Cytopathology
Nancy Greenland, MD, PhD
Anatomic Pathology • Cytopathology
Awards & recognition
Best in California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
Designated comprehensive cancer center
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Breast Lump
- Breast Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Lymphoma
Treatments
- Fine Needle Aspiration
- Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid
- Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid Biopsy
- Biopsy of Mass
Clinical trials
Hippocampal Avoidance in Craniospinal Irradiation for the Treatment of Leptomeningeal Metastases From Breast Cancer or Non-small Cell Lung CancerOpens in a new window
Recruiting
PFS is defined as time from craniospinal irradiation (CSI) to CNS disease progression or death. CNS-PFS will be summarized using Kaplan-Meier methodology.…Study of Orally Administered MOMA-313 in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Solid TumorsOpens in a new window
Recruiting
To assess the safety and tolerability of MOMA-313 given as a single-agent or in combination with olaparibPost-operative Radiotherapy Omission in Selected Patients With Early Breast Cancer Trial International VErsion (PROSPECTIVE)Opens in a new window
Recruiting
To determine the ipsilateral invasive recurrence rate (IIRR) in lower risk patients with unequivocally unifocal breast cancer and on breast MRI and…Integrative Approaches for Cancer Survivorship (IACS3)Opens in a new window
Recruiting
The proportion of all screened participants who were ultimately enrolled onto the study will be reported.
Our research initiatives
UCSF Department of Pathology ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Department of Pathology has numerous research programs that collaborate with other groups at UCSF to improve patient care in many areas, such as cancer and transplantation medicine.UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center ResearchOpens in a new window
UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.
Support services
Art for Recovery
Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.
Cancer Exercise Counseling
Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.
Cancer Nutrition Counseling
UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.
Cancer Support Groups
These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.
Core and More Class for Cancer Patients
A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!
Friend to Friend Specialty Shops
A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.
Meditation and Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients
Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.
Oncology Social Work
Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.
Patient & Family Cancer Support Center
The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.
Peer Support Programs for Cancer
Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."