F.N.A.C Procedure

Function

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a rapid, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to investigate lumps or masses located just under the skin (e.g., in the thyroid, breast, or lymph nodes). The primary function is to determine whether a lesion is inflammatory, benign, or malignant by extracting a small sample of cells using a thin, hollow needle.

Why it is Ordered

Physicians order an FNAC when a patient presents with a palpable nodule or an abnormality detected during imaging (like an ultrasound or CT scan). It is the first-line investigation for:

• Thyroid Nodules: To distinguish between benign goiter and thyroid cancer.
• Breast Lumps: To evaluate suspicious masses found during a mammogram.
• Lymphadenopathy: To check for lymphoma or metastatic spread from other organs.
• Salivary Gland Masses: To evaluate swellings in the parotid or submandibular glands.

Associated Conditions

Results from an FNAC can lead to the diagnosis of various conditions, including:

• Malignancy: Carcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas.
• Benign Tumors: Fibroadenomas or lipomas.
• Infections: Tuberculosis (characterized by granulomatous inflammation) or abscesses.
• Cysts: Simple fluid-filled sacs that resolve upon aspiration.

FNAC is highly valued for its high sensitivity and specificity, often sparing patients from more invasive surgical biopsies if the result is clearly benign or diagnostic of a specific condition.