LAKE SUCCESS, NY – If you or your physician feel a lump or lesion on your neck, scalp, breast or any other area, you may be referred for a minimally-invasive procedure known as a fine needle aspiration (FNA), which is used to extract cells from the lesion and examine them under a microscope. The test is used to differentiate between a benign or cancerous lump or if someone has an inflammatory condition.

Knowing that getting a diagnostic test to rule out cancer can be stressful and anxiety-provoking, the North Shore-LIJ Health System today announced the opening of its first outpatient Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic at 1991 Marcus Avenue, Suite M113, in Lake Success. The new facility offers patients immediate test results and a high level of care, with board-certified cytopathologists (the branch of pathology that studies and diagnoses disease on the cellular level). They perform the procedure, interpret first impressions of samples, and explain preliminary results to patients and family members – all within approximately one hour. It is equipped with hi-tech microscopes and an ultrasound machine, which is sometimes used by specially-trained cytopathologists to locate the lump and guide the needle to the precise location.

The FNA is a fast, accurate, scar-free, painless and safe method of sampling almost any superficial (just under the skin) lump that can be felt or seen by ultrasound, often avoiding surgical biopsy or unnecessary surgery. FNA collects cells or fluids from any body site for diagnostic purposes. A tiny needle is used, smaller than the size used to draw blood, and generally no anesthesia is necessary. At the clinic, physicians who are specialists in cytopathology perform the FNA procedure and immediately evaluate the sample under a microscope. The procedure is safe for patients of all ages. FNA is an outpatient procedure requiring no patient preparation and allows people to resume normal activity immediately after the test.

“The FNA provides safe, rapid, minimally-invasive technology that renders enormous relevant and significant information for patients and their physicians,” said Patricia Wasserman, MD, senior director of cytopathology at North Shore-LIJ Laboratories. "The ability to perform a procedure and provide a diagnosis in one visit is beneficial to both patients and doctors. Research has shown that when the physician touching, feeling, viewing the lesion, and performing the FNA is the same physician making the final diagnosis, there is a significant improvement in the accuracy of the interpretation of results.”

Dr. Wasserman noted that pathologists are highly skilled in interpreting and performing the FNA procedure, and well suited to educate patients and physicians about its findings. At the clinic, preliminary results are discussed with patients immediately after the procedure and phone calls are made to the referring physicians to determine the next course of action. “The FNA clinic setting can often ease a patient’s anxiety, especially if we are able to determine a lump is benign right up front,” she said. For referring physicians, the FNA clinic offers a way to provide appropriate and responsive care for patients in a timely fashion.

Another essential benefit of the FNA clinic is that cytopathologists can determine if enough samples of cells were extracted for examination. If not, additional cells will be extracted immediately from the patient, avoiding a second visit and delays in diagnosis and treatment. For every procedure and for diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic assessment, further advanced molecular testing from samples will also be performed at North Shore-LIJ Laboratories.

Dr. Wasserman, along with her colleagues, Nora Morgenstern, MD, and Ilan Reder, MD, lead the FNA clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 516-442-2838. Convenient patient parking is available.

Contact: Betty Olt /Terry Lynam
(516)465-2600
Bolt@nshs.edu / Tlynam@nshs.edu