Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) Test For Breast and Neck

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) Test is a diagnostic procedure in which a thin needle is used to collect a sample of cells from a lump or nodule for examination under a microscope. It helps in evaluating and diagnosing various conditions, including tumors, cysts, and infections.

FNAC Test

Here are the basic details for FNAC Test.

Also Known As	Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Test
Type	Cytological examination
Purpose	Diagnose lumps or nodules in thyroid or breast
Sample Type	Tissue or fluid
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	Unisex
Age-Group	All Ages
Normal Value	Negative
Reporting Time	1 - 2 Hours
Cost	500 - 700* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

FNAC Test Full Form

The Full Form For FNAC Test is Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Test.

FNAC Test Meaning

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a diagnostic test that involves the removal of a small amount of tissue or fluid from a lump or swelling in the body using a thin needle.
The collected sample is then examined under a microscope to check for any abnormalities or signs of disease.
FNAC is often used to diagnose lumps or nodules in the thyroid, breast, or other parts of the body.
It is a minimally invasive and relatively safe procedure that can be done in an outpatient setting.
FNAC results can help guide treatment decisions and determine the need for further testing or follow-up.

Interesting Facts About Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

FNAC is a minimally invasive procedure that is generally well-tolerated by patients.

FNAC provides rapid results, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment planning.

FNAC Test Purpose

Here are the basic FNAC Test Purposes mentioned.

To diagnose lumps or nodules in various parts of the body, such as the thyroid gland, breast, lymph nodes, salivary glands, and soft tissues.
To determine the nature and extent of abnormal growths or lesions, such as whether they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
To guide treatment decisions, such as the need for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
To monitor the progression or response to treatment of known or suspected cancerous tumors.
To provide a quick and relatively inexpensive diagnosis with minimal risk of complications or side effects.

FNAC Test Price Normal Range Results Purpose Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

FNAC Test Preparation

Here are some FNAC Test Preparations you should follow.

Before Test

In most cases, no special preparation is needed for FNAC.
However, patients may be advised to stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin, for a few days before the procedure.
Patients should inform their doctor of any allergies or bleeding disorders they have.

During Test

The patient may be asked to lie down or sit upright, depending on the location of the lump or nodule being tested.
The skin over the area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a local anesthetic may be injected to numb the area.
The doctor will then use a thin needle to collect a small sample of tissue or fluid from the lump or nodule, using ultrasound or other imaging techniques to guide the needle placement.

After Test

Patients may experience some pain, bruising, or swelling at the site of the needle insertion, which can usually be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication or ice packs.
Patients should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a day or two after the procedure.
The collected sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results will be communicated to the patient or referring physician.

Summary

Before an FNAC test, patients may need to stop blood-thinning medications, and after the test, they may experience mild discomfort and should avoid strenuous activity while waiting for the results.

FNAC Test Procedure

Here are the steps of the FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) test procedure.

The patient will be asked to lie down or sit upright, depending on the location of the lump or nodule being tested.
The skin over the area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
A local anesthetic may be injected to numb the area.
Using ultrasound or other imaging techniques to guide the needle placement, the doctor will then use a thin needle to collect a small sample of tissue or fluid from the lump or nodule.
The needle may be inserted several times to collect an adequate sample.
Once the sample is collected, pressure may be applied to the site to stop any bleeding.
The sample will be placed on a slide and stained with special dyes.
The slide will be examined under a microscope by a pathologist or cytotechnologist to determine if there are any abnormal cells present.
The results of the test will be communicated to the patient or referring physician.

FNAC Test Result

Here are some points to help interpret the results of an FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) test:

The test can help determine whether a lump or nodule is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Results are usually given as either a definitive diagnosis or as inconclusive, requiring further testing.
The accuracy of the test depends on the size and location of the nodule, the skill of the practitioner performing the procedure, and the expertise of the pathologist interpreting the results.

FNAC Test Report

FNAC Test Report - Drlogy Test

FNAC Test Report PDF

FNAC Test Normal Report

FNAC Test Normal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

FNAC Normal Test Report PDF Format

FNAC Test Normal Result Report PDF

FNAC Test Abnormal Report

FNAC Test Abnormal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

FNAC Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

FNAC Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

FNAC Test Interpretation

FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) test results are typically reported as follows:

FNAC Test Result	Interpretation
Benign	The cells appear normal and non-cancerous.
Suspicious	The cells appear abnormal and further testing is needed to determine whether they are cancerous or non-cancerous.
Malignant	The cells appear abnormal and cancerous.

The final interpretation of the results is based on the pathologist's evaluation of the cells under a microscope.

FNAC Test Positive Means

A positive FNAC test result typically means that the cells obtained from the aspirate appear abnormal or malignant, indicating the presence of cancer.

FNAC Test Result	Interpretation
Positive	The cells obtained from the aspirate appear abnormal or malignant, indicating the presence of cancer.

It is important to note that a positive result does not necessarily mean that cancer is present, as further tests and evaluations may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

FNAC Test Negative Means

A negative result on an FNAC test means that no abnormal or malignant cells were found in the aspirate. This can indicate that the mass or lump is likely benign, and not cancerous.

Result	Interpretation
Negative	No abnormal or malignant cells were found in the aspirate The mass or lump is likely benign Further testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis

However, it is important to note that a negative result does not completely rule out the possibility of cancer, as further testing may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Summary

A positive FNAC test indicates the presence of abnormal cells, while a negative result suggests the absence of abnormal cells or insufficient sample for diagnosis.

FNAC Test is Safe?

FNAC test is generally considered safe with few risks or complications.
It is a minimally invasive procedure that usually does not require anesthesia.
Complications such as bleeding, infection, or bruising are rare.

When Do You Get FNAC Test Results?

The results of an FNAC test are usually available within 1 - 2 Hours after the procedure.
The time it takes to receive results may depend on the complexity of the case and the experience of the pathologist reviewing the sample.
The results are typically communicated to the patient by the physician who ordered the test, who will interpret the findings and discuss any necessary next steps.

FNAC Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the FNAC Test.

Limited accuracy due to sampling error.
Inability to provide a definitive diagnosis in some cases.
Potential for false-negative or false-positive results.
Operator-dependent technique affecting reliability.
May not be suitable for all types of lesions or organs.

FNAC Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the FNAC Test.

Risk of bleeding or hematoma at the biopsy site.
Possibility of infection at the biopsy site.
Discomfort or pain during the procedure.
Rare risk of spreading cancer cells if present.
Potential for misdiagnosis or inconclusive results.

Doctor Recommendations After FNAC Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after FNAC Test.

Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Go
High	Oncologist	Possible presence of cancer or tumor.
Normal	General Physician	No significant abnormality was detected.
Low	Endocrinologist	Potential hormonal imbalance or thyroid issues.

FNAC Test Price

Here are the estimated FNAC Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	500 - 700
New Delhi	600 - 700
Bangalore	500 - 700
Hyderabad	600 - 700
Kolkata	500 - 700
Pune	600 - 700
Lucknow	500 - 700
Noida	600 - 700
Surat	500 - 700
Gurugram	600 - 700
Patna	500 - 700
Chennai	600 - 700
Jaipur	600 - 700
Ahmedabad	500 - 700

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall,FNAC test is a safe and effective for identifying abnormalities in various organs and tissues of the body, providing accurate and timely results to help guide patient care. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and neck swellings in the surgical outpatient [1].
Fine-needle aspiration - Wikipedia [2].

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FNAC Test FAQ

What is an FNAC Test?

The FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) test is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain cells from a lump or suspicious area in the body, typically in organs like the breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, or salivary glands.
It involves inserting a thin needle into the lump or tissue to extract a small sample of cells, which are then examined under a microscope to determine if they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Why is an FNAC Test done?

The FNAC Test is performed to evaluate suspicious lumps or abnormalities detected during a physical examination, imaging studies (such as mammograms or ultrasound), or other diagnostic tests.
It helps in the diagnosis of various conditions, including breast cancer, thyroid nodules, lymphomas, salivary gland tumors, and more.
The test helps in determining the nature of the lump or lesion, guiding further management decisions, such as the need for additional tests, treatment options, or surgical intervention.

How is an FNAC Test performed?

During the FNAC Test, a healthcare professional inserts a thin needle into the lump or tissue guided by palpation or imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scan.
The needle is moved back and forth to obtain cell samples, which are collected onto glass slides or in a liquid medium.
The collected cells are then prepared and examined by a pathologist under a microscope to assess their characteristics, such as cell type, presence of abnormal cells, and other features that aid in making a diagnosis.

What can the results of an FNAC Test reveal?

The results of an FNAC Test can provide valuable information about the nature of the tissue or lump being examined.

A benign (non-cancerous) result indicates the absence of cancer cells, suggesting a benign condition or a non-malignant tumor.
A malignant (cancerous) result indicates the presence of cancer cells, confirming a malignant tumor or cancer.
In some cases, the results may be inconclusive or indeterminate, requiring additional tests or a repeat FNAC to obtain a conclusive diagnosis.
It's important to discuss the FNAC results with a healthcare provider, who will provide further guidance on the appropriate next steps, such as additional testing, biopsy, or treatment options.