“FNAc” stands for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, which is a medical procedure used to obtain cells from a suspicious lump or mass for examination under a microscope. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is commonly performed as a diagnostic test to determine if a lump or nodule is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Here’s an overview of the Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) process:
Procedure:
Preparation: The patient may be asked to change into a hospital gown, and the area around the lump or nodule is cleaned.
Local Anesthesia (optional): In some cases, a local anesthetic may be injected into the skin to numb the area and minimize discomfort.
Needle Insertion: A thin, hollow needle is inserted into the lump or nodule. The size of the needle is much smaller than the needles used for blood draws.
Aspiration: The doctor or trained specialist applies suction through the needle to collect a sample of cells from the lump.
Sample Preparation: The collected cells are smeared onto slides or placed in a liquid for further processing.
Cytology Examination: The collected cells are examined under a microscope by a pathologist, who assesses the cellular characteristics to determine if the cells are benign or malignant.
Purpose of FNAC:
- Diagnosis: FNAC is often used to diagnose whether a lump or nodule is cancerous or non-cancerous.
- Subtyping: If cancer is detected, FNAC can help identify the type of cancer, which is crucial for planning further treatment.
Advantages of FNAC:
- Minimally Invasive: FNAC is a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure.
- Quick Results: Results are usually available relatively quickly compared to more invasive procedures.
Limitations:
- Sampling Error: As with any diagnostic test, there’s a possibility of sampling error, and not all types of cancer can be definitively diagnosed through FNAC.
- Inconclusive Results: Sometimes, the results may be inconclusive, and additional tests may be needed.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is commonly used in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, breast lumps, and other superficial masses. The decision to perform FNAC is based on clinical judgment, imaging findings, and the characteristics of the lump or nodule in question. If you are scheduled for FNAC or have questions about the procedure, it’s advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider or the medical professional performing the test.