Name of the Procedure:

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) with CT Guidance; First Lesion

Summary

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) with CT guidance is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain a small sample of tissue from a lesion or mass within the body. A thin needle is inserted into the lesion, guided by CT imaging, to extract cells for diagnostic examination.

Purpose

This procedure is primarily used to diagnose abnormalities or lesions that could be cancerous or infectious. The goal is to obtain a precise tissue sample to analyze under a microscope, which helps in forming an accurate diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment plan.

Indications

• Detection of abnormal lumps or masses noted on imaging scans.
• Persistent unexplained lesions.
• Evaluation of known masses for signs of malignancy.

• Assessment of infections or inflammatory conditions within a lesion.

  Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Blood tests to check clotting function may be required.

• Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications they're taking and follow specific instructions on whether to continue or adjust medication dosages.

  Procedure Description

  1. The patient is positioned on the CT scanner table.
  2. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.
  3. Using CT imaging for guidance, a thin needle is carefully inserted into the lesion.
  4. A small sample of tissue or fluid is aspirated into the needle.
  5. The needle is withdrawn and the sample is sent to a lab for examination.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, including preparation and post-procedure care.

Setting

FNAB with CT guidance is usually performed in a hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologist or interventional radiologist (performs the procedure).
• Radiologic technologist (assists with imaging and equipment).
• Nurses (assist with patient care and monitoring).

Risks and Complications

• Mild bleeding or bruising at the needle site.
• Infection at the puncture site.
• Rarely, pneumothorax (collapsed lung) if the procedure involves chest lesions.
• Infrequent pain or discomfort during or after the procedure, usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time.
• Provides crucial diagnostic information needed to guide treatment.
• Low risk compared to other more invasive biopsy methods. Results are typically available within a few days.

Recovery

• Patients may rest in a recovery area for a short time before going home.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours post-procedure.

• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss biopsy results and next steps.

  Alternatives

• Core needle biopsy, which uses a larger needle to obtain a bigger tissue sample.
• Surgical biopsy, which involves removing a larger tissue section but is more invasive.
• Imaging surveillance for indeterminate lesions, though it may delay definitive diagnosis.

Patient Experience

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure due to local anesthesia. Some may feel a slight pressure or brief stinging when the needle is inserted. Post-procedure, mild soreness at the biopsy site is common but manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.