Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) & Lump Testing for Dogs & Cats
Has Your Pet Developed a Lump?
Finding a lump on your pet can be worrying. While many lumps are harmless, others may require further investigation or treatment. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to determine exactly what a lump is simply by feeling it.
At Lutwyche Veterinary Surgery, we commonly perform Fine Needle Aspirates (FNA) as a quick, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure to help identify the type of cells within a lump. This information often helps us decide whether the lump can be safely monitored, requires further testing, or should be surgically removed.
Early assessment gives your pet the best opportunity for timely diagnosis and treatment.
What Is a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)?
A Fine Needle Aspirate is a simple procedure that uses a very small needle to collect cells from a lump or swelling.
The collected cells are placed onto microscope slides and examined by our veterinary team or submitted to a specialist veterinary pathologist for further evaluation.
Unlike a surgical biopsy, an FNA usually:
- Takes only a few minutes
- Does not require an incision
- Usually does not require sedation or general anaesthesia
- Causes minimal discomfort
- Allows your pet to return home shortly after the appointment
For many pets, it is the recommended first step when investigating a newly discovered lump.
Why Is Lump Testing Important?
Not all lumps are cancer.
Some lumps may be:
- Fatty lumps (lipomas)
- Cysts
- Inflammatory swellings
- Abscesses
- Benign skin growths
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Mast cell tumours
- Soft tissue tumours
- Other forms of cancer
Many of these conditions feel very similar during a physical examination, making diagnostic testing essential before deciding on treatment.
When Should a Lump Be Checked?
We recommend having any new lump examined by a veterinarian, particularly if it:
- Appears suddenly
- Continues to grow
- Changes in shape or colour
- Bleeds or ulcerates
- Causes pain
- Interferes with movement
- Is located around the mouth, feet or eyelids
- Has returned after previous removal
A good rule is:
Any lump that is new, growing or changing should be assessed by a veterinarian.
How Is an FNA Performed?
The procedure is usually straightforward.
Your veterinarian will:
- Examine the lump.
- Insert a very fine needle into the lump.
- Collect a small sample of cells.
- Prepare microscope slides.
- Assess whether additional testing is required.
Most pets tolerate the procedure very well without sedation.
What Happens to the Sample?
Depending on the type of lump, your veterinarian may:
Examine the Sample In-House
Some samples can be assessed during your visit using our in-house laboratory and microscopy, allowing us to obtain valuable information quickly.
Submit the Sample to a Specialist Veterinary Pathologist
Many samples are sent to an experienced veterinary pathologist for detailed microscopic examination.
This provides a more definitive assessment and helps guide treatment recommendations.
What Can an FNA Tell Us?
Fine Needle Aspirates can often help determine whether a lump is:
- Benign
- Inflammatory
- Infectious
- Suspicious for cancer
- Likely to require surgical removal
- Suitable for monitoring
In some cases, an FNA provides a clear diagnosis.
In others, additional testing such as a biopsy or surgical removal may still be recommended.
Does Every Lump Need Surgery?
Not necessarily.
Many lumps are harmless and may simply require monitoring.
However, some lumps become more difficult to remove as they grow larger, while others are malignant and benefit from early treatment.
By investigating lumps early, we can often provide more treatment options and better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pet need to be sedated?
Most Fine Needle Aspirates can be performed without sedation.
If the lump is painful, located in a sensitive area or your pet is very anxious, mild sedation may occasionally be recommended.
Is an FNA painful?
The procedure is similar to a routine vaccination or blood collection.
Most pets tolerate it very well.
Will the needle spread cancer?
This is a common concern among pet owners.
Current veterinary evidence indicates that Fine Needle Aspirates are considered a safe diagnostic procedure, and the risk of spreading cancer cells through FNA is extremely low.
Does an FNA always provide a diagnosis?
Not always.
Some lumps do not release enough cells for diagnosis, while others require a tissue biopsy for more definitive evaluation.
Your veterinarian will discuss whether further testing is recommended.
Why Choose Lutwyche Veterinary Surgery?
At Lutwyche Veterinary Surgery, we believe that every lump deserves careful assessment.
Our experienced veterinarians combine a thorough physical examination with modern diagnostic techniques to investigate skin and soft tissue masses. Where appropriate, we perform Fine Needle Aspirates and utilise our advanced in-house diagnostic laboratory to provide timely information, while also working closely with specialist veterinary pathologists when additional expertise is required.
Our goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis as early as possible, allowing you to make informed decisions about your pet’s treatment.
Book a Lump Assessment
If you’ve discovered a lump or swelling on your dog or cat, don’t wait for it to change or become larger.
Early assessment can provide reassurance, identify problems sooner and help ensure your pet receives the most appropriate treatment.
Contact Lutwyche Veterinary Surgery on (07) 3161 6237 or book online to arrange a lump assessment with one of our experienced veterinarians.