Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) works by using a thin, hollow needle to extract a small sample of cells from a suspicious lump, mass or fluid-filled area in the body. The procedure begins by cleaning the skin at the biopsy site with an antiseptic solution, and local anesthesia may be applied to minimise discomfort. Once the area is prepared, a fine needle is inserted into the lump or tissue, sometimes guided by imaging technologies like ultrasound or CT scans to ensure accuracy, especially for deeper masses. 

The needle is moved back and forth within the mass, while a syringe applies suction to extract cells or fluid. Multiple samples may be taken if necessary to ensure adequate cell collection. These samples are then placed on glass slides, stained, and examined under a microscope by a pathologist to identify whether the cells are benign, malignant, or indicative of other conditions like infections or cysts. The entire procedure typically takes a few minutes, and the patient can often resume normal activities shortly after.

Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) offers numerous advantages as a diagnostic tool. Its minimally invasive nature and quick turnaround make it a popular choice for evaluating suspicious lumps and masses. FNAC is particularly valuable because it provides crucial information while minimising patient discomfort– making it ideal for both early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of various conditions. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Minimally invasive, as it requires only a small needle insertion.
• Provides rapid diagnostic results, often within a few days.
• Can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal recovery time.
• Reduces the need for more invasive surgical biopsies.
• Helps diagnose a wide range of conditions, including cancer, infections, and benign masses.
• Can be used with imaging guidance to access deeper or less accessible areas.
• Causes minimal scarring and has a low risk of complications.
• Cost-effective compared to other diagnostic methods like open biopsies​.

Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) procedure is quick and minimally invasive, which typically takes just a few minutes. After the cells are collected, they will be sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. 

Within a few days, your doctor will receive the results, which generally fall into one of three categories: benign (non-cancerous), malignant (cancerous), or indeterminate (unclear results that may require further testing or biopsy). Your doctor will carefully explain the results to you and discuss the next steps, whether it’s monitoring a benign mass, starting treatment for a malignancy, or conducting additional tests if the findings are inconclusive​. 

If you are concerned about a suspicious lump or swelling, schedule an appointment with NC Tan Surgery to assess if Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is feasible to get you a definitive diagnosis.

The number of Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) sessions typically depends on the specific condition being evaluated and the adequacy of the sample collected. In most cases, only one FNAC session is required to obtain sufficient cells for diagnosis. However, if the initial sample is inconclusive or inadequate, your doctor may recommend a follow-up FNAC session. For certain deeper or more complex masses, imaging-guided FNAC may be used to improve accuracy, and in rare cases, multiple sessions may be needed to collect sufficient cells from different areas of the mass.