Needle aspiration biopsy ( NAB ) , also known as fine needle aspiration cytology ( FNAC ) , fine needle aspiration biopsy ( FNAB ) and fine needle aspiration ( FNA ) , is a medical procedure performed to diagnose certain kinds of medical conditions , such as lumps in the neck . Needle aspiration biopsy ( NAB ) , also known as fine needle aspiration cytology ( FNAC ) , fine needle aspiration biopsy ( FNAB ) and fine needle aspiration ( FNA ) , is a diagnostic procedure sometimes used to investigate superficial ( just under the skin ) lumps or masses .