FNAC Test in Mumbai
Finding a lump or mass on your body can be a distressing experience. If your doctor suspects something is wrong, they may suggest a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) test. This minimally invasive procedure is a popular and effective way to diagnose a variety of conditions in Mumbai.
What is the FNAC test?
Fine needle aspiration Cytology, also known as the FNAC test, is a simple, quick, and inexpensive test used by doctors to assess a specific condition or body part. Cells are aspirated (drawn out) from a specific body region using a high-quality gauge needle. These cells are then transported to the laboratory, where they are examined under a microscope during a series of processes.
The FNAC test is used to diagnose inflammatory diseases as well as cancers.
What is the purpose of the FNAC test?
The FNAC test’s purpose is as follows:
- The FNAC test detects tumorous growths or lumps in various organs and parts of the body, including the skin, armpit, groin, and so on.
- It aids in the diagnosis of benign and malignant cancers that have developed in deep-seated areas or organs.
- It aids in the differentiation of benign and malignant tumors.
- It can monitor the metastasis or progression of cancer from stage I to stage IV.
- Doctors can investigate any fluid-filled cysts discovered during a physical examination or that appear on X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
- It evaluates the likelihood of cancer recurrence following surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.
- It aids doctors in determining the efficacy of treatment for previously diagnosed cancers.
What happens during the FNAC test?
The location of the test determines whether local anesthesia is required. An FNAC test involves inserting a narrow-gauge needle attached to a syringe into the area or organ that needs to be biopsied. This aids in the removal of a small portion of the affected organ as a specimen.
The healthcare professional performing the FNAC test draws fluid, cells, or tissues from the relevant area into a syringe and sends it to the laboratory for microscopic examination. After a few days, you may experience mild pain or inflammation at the test site, and your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.
What is the purpose of the FNAC test?
The FNAC test is used in a variety of tests, including body fluid sampling, chorionic villus sampling, breast abscess and cyst sampling, and seroma sampling. All of these tests are performed using ultrasound-guided aspiration. The FNAC test is useful in detecting breast cancer as well as checking other swellings in the body for various malignancies such as lymphoma, tuberculosis, granulomatous lymphadenitis, and transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Furthermore, this test can be used to investigate any cytological changes that may occur during cancer treatment or the progression of the disease in the body.
What is the FNAC testing procedure?
When taking a FNAC test, you can expect the following:
- Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution by a healthcare professional. A sterile drape or towel will be used to cover this area.
- They will then apply a numbing solution to the affected area beneath the skin.
- Ultrasound is used to identify the proper site for fine needle aspiration.
- A thin needle connected to a syringe is inserted through the skin.
- The vacuum created inside the syringe aids in suction, drawing the desired body fluid or tissue into the syringe and needle.
- This procedure is typically completed in less than 10 minutes.
- The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Following the test procedure, you will be given an ice pack to help relieve the pain of the FNAC test.
How painful is the FNAC procedure?
The level of pain felt during this procedure varies from person to person. During needle insertion, you may feel some discomfort. In some cases, the doctor may use local anesthesia to numb the region, which helps reduce the pain experienced during this procedure.
After the completion of the procedure, there may be a bit of lingering pain at the needle insertion site, which may subside quickly. In most cases, this procedure is painless and bearable.
How to prepare for the FNAC test?
- While there are no specific requirements for this test, your doctor may provide some additional information based on the location and style of sampling needed. Here are some general tips for preparing for this test.
- Tell your doctor about any supplements or medications you are taking prior to the test. Before the test, you may be asked to stop taking specific medications, such as blood thinners.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable. Depending on where the test will be held, you may be required to undress entirely or partially.
- Please inform your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders.
- To ensure that the test is accurate, follow all instructions provided by your physician.
What exactly do the FNAC test results mean?
While the following information can help you interpret the results of your FNAC test, it is best to consult your doctor once you have received the results to ensure a thorough understanding and to determine whether you require any additional testing.
- The test determines whether the lump or nodule examined is malignant or benign.
- These results are typically presented as a definitive or inconclusive diagnosis, which may necessitate additional testing.
- The accuracy of the FNAC test is determined by a variety of factors, including the nodule’s size and location. The sample collection site, the skill level of the test performer, and the pathologist’s ability to interpret the test results.
- A FNAC test normal report varies depending on the size of the lump or mass being examined and the possibility of an underlying disease. Here are the results you may see on your FNAC test result and how to interpret them:
- Benign: In this case, the cells are normal and not malignant.
- Suspicious: The cells may appear abnormal, but further testing is required to determine whether they are malignant.
- Malignant cells are said to be abnormal and could be cancerous.