FNA OR EXCISION?

[JTYRONE]

48 YRS OLD AND A ROUTINE MAMMO HAD ME COME BACK FOR AN ULTRASOUND. SOLID SMALL 3X6MM MASS. SUGGESTION WAS FOR FNA, I WOULD FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE HAVING AN EXCISIONAL BIOPSY. AM I SPAZZING OUT AND HAVING TOO MUCH DONE?  ALSO I HAVE IMPLANTS AND FEEL A PLASTIC SURGEON MAY BE A PROPER CHOICE...PLEASE HELP ME SORT OUT BEGINNERS QUESTIONS, THANKYOU

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear JTyrone, The type of biopsy recommended is based on finding the most information using the least invasive technique.  A FNA uses a small needle targeted at the area of concern and the sample studied is that found in the bore of the needle.  An excisional biopsy is generally done by inserting a wire under mammogram guidance to localize the area first, then the surgeon would make about a one inch incision and remove the area of tissue that was of concern.  Decision regarding the type of procedure should be thoroughly discussed as to risks, and benefits.  If you are uncomfortable with the discussion as to options, you may want to seek a second opinion with a breast specialist.

[annied]

Why don't you want the fine needle aspiration? What do you have to lose by doing that first? It's fast and you'll get some information that day, unlike a biopsy.

[JTYRONE]

FOLLOWUP: I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE IS A SMALL INCIDENCE OF ERROR WITH A FNA. YEARS AGO I HAD THIS PROCEDURE DONE ON THE SAME SIDE ON 3 LYMPH NODES AND THEY DID NOT EMIT ENOUGH SAMPLE SO I ENDED UP HAVING THEM REMOVED ANYWAY. IM SURE THINGS HAVE PROGRESSED FROM THE 80'S SO I AM LOOKING FOR ANY IMPUT I CAN GET, THANKYOU FOR RESPONDING!