FNA
Medical abbreviation · Endocrinology & Diabetes
| Stands for | Fine-needle aspiration |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
FNA stands for Fine-needle aspiration, an endocrinology & diabetes abbreviation.
Biopsy technique using a thin needle, often under ultrasound guidance, to withdraw cells from a lump for cytology. In endocrinology it is the standard test for thyroid nodules, with results reported in the six categories of the Bethesda System.
Example: 1.8 cm TI-RADS 4 nodule; ultrasound-guided FNA returned Bethesda II, benign.
Usage notes
Bethesda categories range from nondiagnostic (I) and benign (II) through indeterminate (III, IV) to suspicious (V) and malignant (VI). Molecular testing of indeterminate samples can spare some patients diagnostic surgery. FNA is also used for lymph nodes, breast, salivary and pancreatic lesions. Usually done in clinic with local anesthetic or none at all.
Related abbreviations
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- DFU – Diabetic foot ulcer
- DI – Diabetes insipidus
- DKA – Diabetic ketoacidosis
- DM – Diabetes mellitus
- DPN – Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- DST – Dexamethasone suppression test
- FPG – Fasting plasma glucose
- FSH – Follicle-stimulating hormone
- GAD – Glutamic acid decarboxylase (autoantibody)
- GD – Graves' disease
- GDM – Gestational diabetes mellitus
- GH – Growth hormone
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.