Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid, neck masses and lymph nodes, and breast masses

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a relatively simple procedure that is becoming increasingly popular among physicians in the United States. It has provided significant advancement in the diagnosis of a number of pathologic conditions of the head and neck as well as other areas, especially those presenting as palpable masses or nodes. At present, many situations that previously would have required open biopsy or surgical removal of a mass lesion for diagnosis can now be diagnosed safely and accurately with fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The speed, safety, patient acceptability, low cost, and accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy make it a valuable addition to any diagnostic armamentarium.