From the Guidelines
A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of lymph nodes in the groin is typically performed in the Interventional Radiology department. This procedure may also be conducted in other departments such as General Surgery, Surgical Oncology, or occasionally in an outpatient clinic setting by specialists trained in the technique. The choice of department often depends on the hospital's specific protocols and the availability of imaging guidance. FNA biopsies are commonly performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate needle placement into the target lymph node, which is why Interventional Radiology is frequently the department of choice.
- The procedure involves using a thin needle to extract cells from the enlarged or suspicious lymph node for microscopic examination.
- This minimally invasive diagnostic technique helps determine whether lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) is caused by infection, inflammation, or malignancy, allowing for appropriate treatment planning.
- Patients typically do not require sedation for this procedure, and it can usually be completed within 30 minutes with minimal recovery time, as supported by studies such as 1.
From the Research
Department for Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Lymph Nodes
The department in a hospital where a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of lymph nodes in the groin is typically performed can vary, but it is often conducted in:
- Radiology department: This is because the procedure may involve the use of imaging technologies such as ultrasound to guide the needle into the correct position 2.
- Pathology or Cytopathology department: In some cases, the FNA biopsy may be performed by a pathologist or cytopathologist, especially if the procedure is part of a larger diagnostic workup 3, 4.
- Interventional Radiology department: This department may also perform FNA biopsies, especially if the procedure requires specialized imaging equipment or techniques 5.
Procedure and Diagnostic Accuracy
The FNA biopsy procedure involves using a fine needle to aspirate cells from the lymph node, which are then examined under a microscope to determine if they are malignant or benign. The diagnostic accuracy of FNA biopsy for lymph nodes has been shown to be high, with studies reporting sensitivity and specificity rates of over 90% 3, 6, 4.