Cytological preparation.

Abstract

The fundamental principle of fine needle aspiration (FNA) is to obtain a satisfactory aspirate sample that provides a true reflection of the disease process in the patient, allowing therapeutic decisionmaking [1, 2]. In spite of a controversial beginning, this biopsy method, as it has been studied and refined over the years, has proven to be accurate, simple, safe, rapid and cost effective with few contraindications [2– 4]. A mass anywhere in the body accessible by a fine needle can be evaluated by FNA. It is readily performed on superficial palpable masses, most commonly lymph nodes, breast, soft tissue and salivary glands. Advances in radiological techniques have allowed access to deepseated, nonpalpable masses, generally with ultrasound or CT guidance, including the eye and ocular adnexa.