Thyroid Awareness Month
What Is a Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy?
A thyroid FNA biopsy is the standard, evidence-based test used to determine whether a thyroid nodule is benign or malignant—and it is far simpler than most patients expect.
🧪 How is the biopsy performed? (Step-by-step)
Ultrasound guidance precisely targets the nodule A very thin needle is used to collect cells Multiple passes may be taken to ensure accuracy The procedure takes 5–10 minutes You go home the same day and resume normal activities
✔️ No general anesthesia
✔️ Minimal discomfort
✔️ Very low risk of complications
🔬 What happens to the sample?
The cells are analyzed by an experienced cytopathologist and reported using the Bethesda System, which helps guide:
Observation Repeat biopsy Molecular testing (when appropriate) Surgery (only when necessary)
📊 Key facts for patients
Most biopsies come back benign FNA prevents unnecessary thyroid surgery Results allow for personalized, evidence-based care
🦋 Why this matters
A properly performed, ultrasound-guided FNA is:
Accurate Safe Essential for making the right treatment decision
👨⚕️ Dr. Rodrigo Arrangoiz, MD
Surgical Oncologist – Thyroid, Head & Neck, Breast
Mount Sinai Medical Center
📌 Take-home message:
A thyroid biopsy is not something to fear —
it is a tool that helps ensure you get the right care and avoid unnecessary treatment.
📚 References
Cibas ES, Ali SZ. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Thyroid Haugen BR et al. ATA Guidelines for Thyroid Nodules. Thyroid Gharib H et al. Fine-Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules. Endocrine Practice
Published by Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
My name is Rodrigo Arrangoiz I am a breast surgeon/ thyroid surgeon / parathyroid surgeon / head and neck surgeon / surgical oncologist that works at Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology in Miami, Florida.
I was trained as a surgeon at Michigan State University from (2005 to 2010) where I was a chief resident in 2010. My surgical oncology and head and neck training was performed at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia from 2010 to 2012. At the same time I underwent a masters in science (Clinical research for health professionals) at the University of Drexel. Through the International Federation of Head and Neck Societies / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center I performed a two year head and neck surgery and oncology / endocrine fellowship that ended in 2016.
Mi nombre es Rodrigo Arrangoiz, soy cirujano oncólogo / cirujano de tumores de cabeza y cuello / cirujano endocrino que trabaja Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology en Miami, Florida.
Fui entrenado como cirujano en Michigan State University (2005 a 2010 ) donde fui jefe de residentes en 2010. Mi formación en oncología quirúrgica y e n tumores de cabeza y cuello se realizó en el Fox Chase Cancer Center en Filadelfia de 2010 a 2012. Al mismo tiempo, me sometí a una maestría en ciencias (investigación clínica para profesionales de la salud) en la Universidad de Drexel. A través de la Federación Internacional de Sociedades de Cabeza y Cuello / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center realicé una sub especialidad en cirugía de cabeza y cuello / cirugia endocrina de dos años que terminó en 2016.
View all posts by Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO 