Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is an established biopsy technique that may replace the need for or precede a more invasive biopsy of a mass (lump).
Clinical Services
Anatomic & Molecular Pathology
- Autopsy Service
- Cytogenetics Laboratory
- Cytopathology Laboratory & Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Service
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Health Center Laboratories
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Service
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Service and Clinic*
Wang Ambulatory Care Center
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA
*A division of the Cytopathology Laboratory
Pathology Service
Massachusetts General Hospital
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is an established biopsy technique that may replace the need for or precede a more invasive biopsy of a mass (lump). It is performed in an attempt to determine what is causing the mass and to decide whether it needs to be removed or evaluated in another way. The MGH FNAB Clinic offers expert FNAB services by trained and experienced pathologists of palpable masses virtually anywhere on the body.
The biopsy procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, uses a very small needle, and the results are usually ready within 24–48 hours. Local anesthesia is generally not needed, but is available. Representative slides are looked at right away to make sure cells are being obtained. Occasionally, the results may be known at the time of the biopsy.
The results will be reported usually within 24–48 hours. If special studies need to be performed, the results may be delayed 2–3 days. The pathologist will produce a formal report that will be sent to the doctor who requested the biopsy.
In the hundreds of thousands of these biopsies performed annually in the United S tates, most patients find it to be a very straight forward, rapid, safe and virtually painless procedure.
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
By appointment in advance or same day space available. No nights or weekend appointments available.
To Request an FNAB, call 617-726-3980
Faculty
Director: Martha Bishop Pitman, MD
Interventional Cytopathologists
- Rosemary H. Tambouret, MD
- Joseph Misdraji, MD
- Elena F. Brachtel, MD
- Ron Balassanian, MD
- Jian Shen, MD, PhD
Updated 4/8/2011
