A fine needle aspiration is used to remove what type of sample?

A fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive procedure used primarily for sampling. The technique involves using a thin needle to extract material from a specific area of the body, often a mass or lump that is suspected to be abnormal, such as a tumor.

The sampling obtained through FNA can include both fluid and clusters of cells. This is crucial because many lesions can be cystic (filled with fluid) or can produce areas of abnormal cellular growth. The fluid component may provide diagnostic information, especially in cases of cysts, whereas the clusters of cells allow for cytological evaluation to distinguish between benign and malignant processes. This dual capability of sampling is why option C is the correct answer.

In contrast, some of the other options specify only one type of sample that can be collected, which does not accurately reflect the versatility of FNA. FNA’s ability to collect a combination of both fluid and cells is what makes it a valuable tool in oncology and other medical fields for diagnostic purposes.