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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Fine-needle aspiration

Fine-needle aspiration is a method of collecting cells from the breast, liver, mouth, neck, lymph nodes, genitals, respiratory tract, or thyroid to look for signs of cancer, infection, or other conditions. During a fine-needle aspiration, a health professional inserts a thin needle into a suspicious lump and removes cells that are then examined under a microscope.