What are the complications of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid?
Most patients notice very little bleeding or swelling. There may be some discomfort in the area for a few hours after the biopsy, which is usually relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Some patients like to put an ice pack over the area when they get home, but most do well without such measures. The risks of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid include bleeding, infection, and cyst formation, but these complications are exceedingly rare. Patients should contact their doctor if they notice any excessive bruising or swelling in the area of the biopsy, if they have persistent pain in the area, or if they develop a fever. What happens to the thyroid tissue obtained at the fine needle aspiration biopsy? After the procedure, the tissue obtained is prepared onto glass slides and sent to the pathologist for evaluation. First, the pathologist determines whether or not enough thyroid tissue has been obtained for analysis. (When there is an insufficient amount, a repeat fine needle aspir
