Reasons Not to Do A Fine Need Aspiration
Many holistic veterinarians are suggesting it be wise to skip this step.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure used to collect cells from a suspicious lump or mass for examination. However, there are cases where FNA might have some risks associated with it, potentially leading to aggravation or spreading of cancer:
- Needle Tract Seeding: During FNA, there’s a small possibility that cancer cells from the mass being sampled could spread along the needle tract as the needle is withdrawn. This could potentially introduce cancer cells into new areas, although this risk is typically very low.
- Bleeding or Hematogenous Spread: In some cases, the biopsy procedure might cause bleeding at the site of the needle insertion. If cancer cells are present in the bloodstream, this bleeding could potentially carry cancer cells to other parts of the body.
- Dislodgment of Cells: The mechanical action of the needle passing through the tumor could theoretically dislodge cancer cells into the surrounding tissue or bloodstream, increasing the risk of metastasis.
- Incomplete Removal: If the biopsy doesn’t completely remove the cancerous cells or if there’s a spillage of these cells during the procedure, it might contribute to the spread of cancer.
Diagnosing cancer, determining its type, and guiding treatment decisions—so there is fine line in this decision. FNA may be a valuable tool in diagnosing and staging cancers, and it’s generally considered safe when performed by skilled medical professionals using proper techniques. But you must understand the risk – including human error, accidental errors, or aggravating the tumor.
You may be better off opting for removal straight away without the aspiration, and beginning your holistic approach to healing.
The decision to perform an FNA should be based on a careful evaluation of the potential benefits versus the risks involved, which your healthcare provider will discuss with you. They will take various factors into consideration, such as the location of the tumor its characteristics, and your overall health, before recommending the procedure.