FNAC

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology or FNAC test is a type of biopsy procedure. It is used to diagnose the causes of superficial lumps or swellings that are felt during a physical examination. These lumps can be found in areas such as your head, neck, breast, thorax, skin, lymph nodes, and other parts of the body. FNAC can also be used to investigate the causes of deep-seated lesions. Also it can help diagnose the presence of inflammatory conditions as well as cancers and study the cytological changes your body goes through.

Why Should I Get an FNAC Test?

You may need an FNAC test if your doctor has observed a bulge or swelling in the superficial parts of your body, such as your neck and breasts. The lump can also be discovered on imaging tests such as CT scan, mammogram or ultrasound. An FNAC test can determine whether the swelling is cancerous or not. The thyroid and salivary gland can also be tested using this method. Moreover, FNAC is also recommended if you have:

• Cysts: These are fluid-filled lumps
• Nodules or masses: These are solid lumps
• Enlarged lymph nodes: Particularly in the neck, groin or armpit

An FNAC test can also aid your doctor in the cytological evaluation of your body mass.

What Happens During A FNAC Test?

FNAC tests can be conducted at a doctor's office or at an outpatient clinic. If the biopsy needs to be image-guided, a radiologist may conduct it at an imaging facility or hospital. Depending on the area of your body that is to be tested, you may need to remove your clothes and wear a hospital gown. The testing area also determines whether you need to sit up or lie down on your back, side or stomach. During the entire procedure, it is recommended that you sit still.

Your doctor should begin by numbing the biopsy site with a topical medication. In some cases, a medication is injected into the biopsy site to prevent pain in tissues beneath the skin. Next, a biopsy needle is inserted. This step can be repeated to collect tissue from different parts of the testing area. Depending on the body part and whether imaging is used or not, the entire procedure can take between 15 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, you may be given an ice pack to relieve the pain quickly.

What Happens After A FNAC Test?

In most cases, an FNAC test is a definitive test, while in others, test results can be inconclusive, requiring a repeat or additional test. FNAC test results can take up to a week or longer and are dependent on the size and type of lesion. Here’s what happens: your samples are analyzed by a pathologist to check if the cells are benign (non-cancerous tumor), malignant (cancerous) or suspicious. Once your reports are in, your doctor will go through them and let you know about the next steps.

What Are The Risks Associated With The FNAC Test?

Typically, an FNAC test is considered quick, safe and easy to perform. It has little to no complications. At most, you can feel the following:

• Pain when the needle is inserted
• You may faint or feel lightheaded
• Slight soreness on the injected site
• A bruise where the needle is inserted

For most people, over-the-counter pain medications are enough to ease the pain. But if you feel too much pain or soreness, visit your doctor immediately.