FNAC Test: Purpose, Procedure, and Results Explained

The Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) test is a medical diagnostic that uses cellular material from a suspected growth or lump in the body to provide an accurate diagnosis. In simple terms, the FNAC test aids in the detection of cancer, as well as the type and stage of the cancer. What’s more, it performs a thorough analysis, assisting in the detection of non-cancerous diseases or infections as well. The FNAC test results can be processed quickly and that enables healthcare practitioners to start therapy immediately.  

What is the FNAC Test?  

The FNAC test full form​ is Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, also known as a fine-needle biopsy. It is a method used by healthcare practitioners to get a cell sample from a suspicious tumor or abnormal growth in the body. The Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) technique includes extracting cells, tissue, and fluids with a tiny needle and syringe so that your healthcare professional can send the sample to a cytology lab. Unlike traditional biopsy, FNAC does not require sutures (stitches) or lengthy recovery times, and patients can continue their routine activities soon following the exam.  

For deeper or less accessible locations, such as the lungs, liver, pancreas, or deep lymph nodes, FNAC can be supplemented with Ultrasound-Guided FNAC or CT-Guided FNAC. These imaging techniques improve accuracy by directing the needle to the exact area of the aberrant tissue to collect the sample. FNA is the least intrusive form of biopsy, however it has certain limitations! In some cases, there may not be enough tissue collected for a diagnosis, particularly in fibrous or hard tumors. Another thing is, although FNAC detects malignant cells, it may not tell whether the cancer has spread.    

What are the Benefits of the FNAC Test?  

• Minimally Invasive : One of the most significant advantages of FNAC is that it is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure, unlike surgical biopsy. FNAC employs a fine-gauge needle that results in minimum pain, and usually, patients report little to no discomfort, and most procedures do not require anesthetic either.  
• Quick and Convenient : The FNAC test is a straightforward outpatient procedure that only takes a few minutes to complete, and it may be performed at a doctor's office or a diagnostic lab easily. This eliminates the need for hospitalization. Because the test involves no preparation and recuperation time, patients can resume their normal activities immediately! 
• Accurate Diagnosis : FNAC produces speedy findings, and usually within 24 to 48 hours, the result is delivered! The test is used to identify both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors, as well as infections and inflammatory disorders. It allows pathologists to study cell morphology (form, size, and structure), a process that is essential for detecting a variety of diseases. 
• Early Cancer Detection : FNAC is commonly used in oncology to identify cancer at an early stage, notably in organs such as the breast, thyroid gland, lymph nodes, and lung. By detecting aberrant cells early, FNAC aids in the prompt initiation of treatment that helps avoid treatment delay, and also improves treatment outcomes. 
• Low-risk of Complications : FNAC is a relatively risk-free technique, unlike surgical biopsies! FNAC does not need big incisions or deep tissue removal, and that actually reduces the risk of excessive bleeding, infection, scarring, and nerve damage. Furthermore, FNAC can be easily repeated if necessary, without causing substantial health problems! 
• Cost-effective Diagnostic Tool : Compared to other diagnostic procedures, such as core needle biopsy or surgical biopsy, FNAC is less costly and easier to conduct because it requires fewer medical resources. This makes it a more affordable alternative for patients.  
• Effective at Detecting Infections and Inflammatory Diseases : FNAC is beneficial not only for cancer diagnosis, but also for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in lymph nodes, abscesses and cysts, and autoimmune illnesses affecting various glands. By verifying infections or inflammation, the FNAC test enables doctors to give suitable antibiotics or anti-inflammatory therapy to the patient promptly. 

How to Prepare for the FNAC Test?

Before the test, the doctor will examine any current medical issues, medicines, and allergies. If the patient is using blood thinners, the doctor may recommend discontinuing them a few days before the test to lessen the chance of bleeding, which is unlikely to occur. Fasting is usually not necessary unless the FNAC is conducted on a deep organ such as the liver or pancreas.  

Usually, patients may be requested to wear loose, comfortable clothing, particularly if the test is performed on the neck, breast, or belly. During the test, the patient is positioned according to the biopsy location, and to avoid infections, the aspiration site is cleansed with an antiseptic solution first.   

FNAC Test Procedure  

• Identify the Target Area : The doctor palpates (feels) the bump to find its specific position. However, if the lump is deep or difficult to feel, ultrasonography or CT guidance may be utilized to accurately detect it for the test. 
• Needle Insertion and Aspiration : A tiny, sterilized needle is inserted, and a negative-pressure syringe is used to produce suction and collect cells or fluid from the lesion. The doctor may move the needle slightly into the lump to ensure a good cell sample is obtained! To prevent bleeding, the suction is removed before extracting the needle, however, if the sample is inadequate, the technique may be repeated 2-3 times to obtain enough cells for examination. 
• Sample Collection and Slide Preparation : The collected material is put on glass slides and promptly stained with a specific dye to protect the cells! If the sample is fluid, it can be centrifuged to separate cells for closer analysis. 
• Sample Analysis in the Lab : The slides are submitted to a pathology lab, where a cytologist or pathologist analyzes the cells using a microscope. Cell types can be differentiated using specialized staining procedures such as Papanicolaou stain or Giemsa stain. 

Post-Procedure Care

Mild soreness or swelling at the location is typical and should resolve within a few hours, and a tiny bandage is usually placed over the puncture site to avoid infection. Remember, you should avoid intense activities for a few hours to reduce pain. Patients can resume their normal, routine activities immediately since no recuperation period is necessary. One thing to remember, if the patient feels severe pain or symptoms of infection (redness, swelling, fever), they should immediately contact their doctor.  

FNAC Test Results  

Take a look at the FNAC test results and what they mean: 

1. Benign (non-cancerous) - The lump shows no evidence of malignancy and is most likely innocuous (fibroadenoma, goiter, cyst). 
2. Malignant (cancerous) - Abnormal cells are found, indicating malignancy (e.g., breast cancer, lymphoma). 
3. Indeterminate or atypical - Some aberrant characteristics are present but insufficient to prove cancer. In such a case, a repeat FNAC or biopsy may be necessary. 
4. Non-diagnostic/Inconclusive - The sample is inadequate to warrant further FNAC or alternative diagnostic techniques. 

Final Remarks    

FNAC is a rapid, safe, and inexpensive diagnostic test that aids in the early diagnosis of various types of cancers, as well as infections and inflammatory illnesses. Its low invasiveness, quick results, and great accuracy make it an invaluable tool in modern medical testing procedures.   

If your doctor has recommended the FNAC test, contact Pathkind Labs! The expert lab technicians examine the sample in cutting-edge NABL-approved labs, and produce the result of the test in just 2 working days! Patients are given all the details about the process beforehand, and details about the FNAC test in Hindi​ are also available.