In 1981, the first fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the United States was done at Maimonides Medical Center, eliminating the need for surgery and hospitalization.

Willgerodt H, Keller E, Bennek J, et al.: Diagnostic value of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents.

This is called a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.

Many clinicians are not trained to perform fine-needle aspiration biopsies properly and, then when they do not obtain diagnostic material, believe that cytology is not useful.

Alternatively, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be performed and is often used to test masses.

Ultrasound may be used to guide a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

EUS may be used to guide fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the lung, lymph nodes, or other areas.

A fine-needle aspiration biopsy puts a thin needle through the skin, into the lump, and removes cells to look at.

A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is usually ordered when the doctor is almost certain that the lump is a cyst.

MTC can also be diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy.