Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or Biopsy

What to expect at home

A fine needle aspiration or biopsy uses a thin needle to remove a sample of tissue that is then looked at under a microscope. Fine needle aspiration or biopsies are used to take and check samples of a lump, mass, or other area of concern. Your healthcare team can sometimes use the results to help plan your treatment.

After a fine needle aspiration or biopsy, each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below after your procedure to feel better as quickly as possible.

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• You may return to normal activity the same day as your procedure.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet after your procedure. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart medicines that you usually take. They will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If your doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take a non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicine.
• If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach, take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to). You can also ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

Caring for the procedure site

• Use a bandage (dressing) to keep the procedure site (the cut or puncture) covered and dry for 24 to 48 hours. Your healthcare team will put a bandage over the procedure site after the procedure. You can remove this bandage 24 hours after the procedure.
• You can expect a small amount of bleeding from the procedure site. Ask your doctor how much bleeding to expect.
• The procedure site may be tender for 1 to 2 days. You may also have some bruising or swelling. You can use ice to reduce swelling if you would like.
• You may shower as normal after the bandage has been removed. Don’t use soap or lotions on the procedure site for 48 to 72 hours.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911anytime you think you may need emergency care, like if you have severe trouble breathing.

Call your doctor or Health Link at 811 now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have a lot of bleeding through the bandage.
• You have new or worsening pain.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness
  • red streaks leading from the procedure site
  • pus draining from the procedure site
  • a fever

Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or Health Link at 811 if you're not getting better as expected.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_fine_needle_asp_superficial_biopsy_ac.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: November 19, 2024

Author: Diagnostic Imaging, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.