FNAC

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to obtain a sample of cells from a lump or mass within the body. A thin, hollow needle is inserted into the suspicious area, and cells are aspirated (suctioned) for examination under a microscope. This technique is most commonly used for evaluating masses in organs like the thyroid, breast, lymph nodes, and lungs.

Why consider this test

FNA cytology is essential for diagnosing a variety of conditions:

• Cancer Diagnosis: It is commonly used to determine whether a lump or mass is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
• Inflammatory or Infectious Diseases: It can help identify infections or inflammatory conditions.
• Cystic Masses: It can differentiate between fluid-filled cysts and solid tumors.

Who should get this test done?

• Patients with palpable lumps or masses in organs such as the breast, thyroid, or lymph nodes.
• Individuals with unexplained swelling or nodules that need to be evaluated for malignancy or infection.
• Those with suspected cancers who require a more accurate diagnosis before proceeding with further treatment like surgery.

More Information

FNA is often preferred due to its minimal invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and relatively quick results. However, it may not always provide a definitive diagnosis if the sample is insufficient, and additional procedures like biopsy may be necessary.