Simultaneous fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy of thyroid nodules and other superficial head and neck masses using sonographic guidance.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to conceive of and to evaluate a simple system for simultaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy of thyroid nodules when FNA alone has failed to yield tissue adequate for diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The use of a modified coaxial guiding needle and biopsy gun is a simple, safe, and effective method for obtaining tissue from thyroid nodules and is applicable to sampling other superficial masses as well.