 Fine needle aspiration ( FNA ) can be used to biopsy bone lesions , once found on an X @-@ ray or other scan . Such tests can be vital in diagnosis and can also prevent unnecessary treatment and invasive surgery . Conversely , FNA biopsy of tumors of the parathyroid gland is not recommended for diagnosing parathyroid carcinoma and may in fact be harmful , as the needle can puncture the tumor , leading to dissemination and the possible spread of cancerous cells . 
