CYTOLOGY, FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION; FNAC

FNAC — Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology — examines cells drawn from a lump or swelling through a thin needle. The aspirated material is spread on slides, stained, and studied under the microscope to understand what the lump is made of.

It is most often used for lumps in the thyroid, breast, lymph nodes and salivary glands. FNAC is a quick, minimally invasive first step that helps your doctor decide whether a lump is likely benign, inflammatory or suspicious — and whether surgery or a biopsy is needed at all.

When do doctors advise this test?

• A new or growing lump in the neck or thyroid
• A breast lump that needs characterisation
• Enlarged lymph nodes that are not settling
• A salivary gland or other superficial swelling

Preparation & the sample

No fasting is needed. Tell the doctor about any blood-thinning medicines you take before the procedure. The aspiration itself is done by a trained doctor; the slides/sample are then sent for cytology reporting. Call +91 9451155402 to confirm how FNAC sampling and reporting are arranged.

This information is educational and general. Your doctor's advice for your specific situation always comes first.