My pet's FNA says "neoplastic process." Is it cancer or inflammation?

Question

How accurate are fine needle aspirates? And what does “suggestive of neoplastic process” mean? Can other inflammation have certain characteristics of cancer cells, if so what are they? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 11 months old | 20 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Fine needle aspirates are just a screening tool. You are placing a very small gauge needle into a large lump of tissue so it is always possible that you are missing some cells that would be diagnostic. It is also possible to go through the mass and get cells that just surround it. An FNA can be helpful in screening but if it is not diagnostic, the next step is an actual biopsy or full removal of the mass with histopathology. I have seen you ask this question multiple times and I'm sorry but we are not going to be able to answer it without seeing the report. It sounds to me like he had reactive lymph nodes (lymphoid hyperplasia) and I would not be overly worried about it at this stage if he is doing better. If the lymph nodes swell up again then you should have one or both removed and the entire lymph node sent to the lab for a histopathology. That is the only way you are going to get an answer. This article may give you a better understanding. ( https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cancer/c_multi_lymphadenopathy )

My pet's FNA says "neoplastic process." Is it cancer or inflammation?

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