Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a diagnostic procedure used to investigate unusual lumps or masses within the body. This non-surgical technique involves collecting a small sample of cells or fluid from the suspicious area. The collected material is then examined under a microscope to help healthcare providers understand the nature of the abnormality. FNAC provides information about a lesion without the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
Why Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is Performed
FNAC is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate lumps, masses, or abnormal growths in various body parts, such as the thyroid, lymph nodes, breast, and salivary glands. This procedure helps distinguish between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions, guiding subsequent treatment decisions.
The procedure is recommended when imaging studies, like ultrasound or MRI, identify an area requiring further investigation. FNAC confirms the nature of a lesion, offering a less invasive alternative to an open surgical biopsy. It can also collect samples for specialized studies, such as flow cytometry or culture, aiding in a comprehensive understanding of the condition.
The Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Procedure
Before an FNAC, patients receive preparation instructions, which may include advice on stopping certain medications, especially blood thinners. Patients are advised to wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined. The procedure is performed in a clinical setting, sometimes in a radiology department if imaging guidance is needed.
During the procedure, the healthcare provider cleans and disinfects the skin over the suspicious area. For deeper or non-palpable lesions, imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or CT scan, precisely guides the fine needle into the mass. A thin needle (22 to 25 gauge) is attached to a syringe and inserted into the lump.
As the needle advances, the syringe plunger is pulled back to create suction, drawing cells or fluid. Patients may feel pressure or mild discomfort, but often no local anesthetic is needed due to the needle’s small size. Multiple passes may be made to ensure an adequate sample is collected.
Following aspiration, firm pressure is applied to the site with sterile gauze to minimize bruising or swelling. A small bandage is then placed over the area. Patients might experience mild soreness or bruising at the aspiration site for a day or two. Recovery instructions involve avoiding strenuous activity for a short period, though most individuals can resume normal activities quickly.
Understanding Your Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Results
Once collected, the sample is immediately expelled onto glass slides and prepared for microscopic examination. The material is spread thinly on the slides and stained with special dyes to make cellular structures visible. These slides are then sent to a cytology laboratory for analysis.
A cytopathologist, a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing diseases through microscopic examination of cells, reviews the slides. They examine cells for abnormalities, noting their size, shape, and arrangement to determine the lesion’s nature. Results are categorized into groups: benign (non-cancerous), malignant (cancerous), atypical or suspicious (abnormal cells present, requiring further investigation), or non-diagnostic (insufficient cells for a definitive diagnosis).
The cytopathologist’s findings are communicated to the referring physician, who discusses results with the patient. Depending on the outcome, next steps may include no further action, a repeat FNAC, a surgical biopsy, or treatment planning. Results typically range from a few days to about a week, allowing for timely decision-making regarding patient care.