How do I schedule an appointment?
Please feel free to schedule an appointment
after discussing the technique with your doctor.
You may call our courteous staff to schedule an
appointment at (925)-270-3575. We are open
Mondays through Fridays (except holidays) from
9AM to 5PM. Our friendly staff will be there to
greet and accommodate you.
Where is the FNA clinic?
CoCoPath
399 Taylor Blvd, #200,
Pleasant Hill, CA.
Contra Costa Pathology Associates
(925)-270-3575
pathology@cocopath.net
(the entrance is immediately to your
left as you exit the elevator).
Ultrasound-guided
Fine Needle
Aspiration
(FNA) Clinic
separate samples may be drawn in order to
ensure good representation of the lump.
Is an FNA biopsy painful?
The FNA procedure may produce minimal pain
and discomfort. To minimize any sensation of pain
you may experience, the biopsy site will be locally
and topically anesthetized, and upon completion
the area will be cleaned and dressed with a simple
band-aid. Moreover, the procedure is performed
in a comfortable environment.
CoCoPath Ultrasound-guided
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Clinic
What is an FNA biopsy?
FNA stands for “Fine Needle Aspiration.” It is a
minimally invasive technique which involves
the use of a fine gauge needle, smaller than
the needle used to draw blood. The needle is
attached to a syringe to remove fluid and/or
cells from superficial palpable and non-palpable
lesions, such as solid masses or cysts, under
ultrasound guidance.
Why might you need an FNA biopsy?
If you or your doctor discover a lump, it is
important to determine whether or not it is a
How will you feel following the biopsy?
Most people experience no more discomfort than
when they have a routine blood test. Following
the procedure, you can continue your regular
activities the same day. When FNA is performed
by an experienced physician, complications are
very rare. Occasionally, patients report bruising
or tenderness over the biopsy area, but this is
usually mild and resolves quickly.
tumor—either benign or malignant—and gain
information necessary for making a treatment plan.
FNA can be used to obtain tissue from almost any
superficial lump that you can feel, including lumps in
the breast, thyroid gland, salivary gland, lymph node,
skin, and soft tissues.
How do I prepare for the FNA procedure?
If you feel anxious or nervous before such a
procedure, you may ask your doctor to prescribe
a mild sedative drug to calm you down. If your
doctor prescribes a sedative, you must be
accompanied by another person who can drive
you safely to and from the FNA clinic.
What to expect when you arrive for your
appointment?
You will be asked questions about the history of your
lump. If you bring X-rays or other reports from your
doctor, they will be reviewed prior to the procedure.
Depending on the location and size of the lump,
When will I know the results of the FNA?
The final results of your FNA will be provided
to your doctor in 24-48 hours. Your doctor
will discuss the findings with you, answer any
questions you may have, and determine any
further treatment as necessary.