Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the lymph nodes

A fine needle aspiration (FNA) is used to see whether there are any cancer cells in the lymph nodes.

A doctor puts a very fine needle into a lymph node and withdraws some cells into a syringe. This may feel uncomfortable, but it is very quick. You may have an ultrasound scan at the same time to help guide the needle.

The area may be tender for a few days after the test.

The sample is sent to be checked under a microscope. This is how doctors find out whether an abnormal area or lump (tumour) is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).