A recent survey indicates that a simple and cost-effective needle test, known as fine needle aspiration (FNA), is being underutilized in veterinary practices across the United States, despite recommendations for its routine use in diagnosing skin masses in dogs and cats. Published in the journal Veterinary Oncology, the study found that only 29 percent of the veterinary professionals surveyed performed FNA on more than half of the skin and subcutaneous masses examined, with an average utilization rate of just 39 percent.
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FNA involves inserting a thin needle into a mass to extract cells, which are then analyzed microscopically. It is less invasive and cheaper than surgical biopsy and can yield results quickly. Guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association advocate for FNA or surgical biopsy for lumps measuring at least one centimeter that have been present for over a month, as distinguishing between benign and malignant growths is crucial for effective treatment planning.
The survey, conducted by Gillian Dank of Onco Pet Veterinary Services and colleagues, included responses from 240 veterinary professionals, primarily veterinarians. The findings revealed that busy clinicians, those seeing four or more patients with skin masses daily, were significantly less likely to perform FNA than those with lower caseloads. Conversely, more experienced veterinarians tended to utilize FNA more frequently, indicating that familiarity with the procedure may influence its application.
Most respondents cited the perception of lumps being benign as the primary reason for skipping FNA, with cost and client refusal also major factors. Responses showed inconsistency, as many veterinarians believed they could accurately diagnose lumps based on palpation alone, despite acknowledging that this method is unreliable.
A concerning finding was that about 30 percent of respondents reported performing excisional biopsies without prior FNA. This practice can hinder surgical outcomes, as knowing the tumor type can inform the surgical approach. Additionally, the survey indicated a trend where clinics using digital cytology, a technology allowing remote analysis of samples, performed fewer aspirations overall, potentially due to expectations of definitive results.
The authors of the study emphasize the importance of integrating FNA into routine veterinary workflows. They suggest that enhanced training in aspiration techniques and cytology assessment could help close the gap between current practices and recommended guidelines, ultimately aiding in early cancer detection—a critical factor in treatment success for pets.