To compare pain, tolerability, and complications associated with fine needle aspiration (FNA) versus core needle biopsy (CNB).
FNAs were performed using 23-gauge needles and CNBs were performed using 18-gauge double-action spring-activated needles in 100 patients for each procedure. Patients were asked to record a pain score using a 10-cm visual analog scale and procedure tolerability. Complications and number of biopsies were recorded.
The median pain scores were similar for the FNA and CNB approaches during and 20 minutes after the biopsy procedures (3.7 vs. 3.6,
FNA and CNB show no significant differences for diagnosing thyroid nodules in terms of pain, tolerability, or complications.
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