This article will discuss the Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology test. We will also address some common questions related to the Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology test.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Test also known as (the FNAC) test is a quick, simple and affordable test done by doctors to assess a specific condition or body part. In this test cells are drawn out from a specific body region using an excellent gauge needle, these are then sent to labs for further testing under a microscope using several procedures.
FNAC test is done to detect any inflammatory diseases and other malignancies.
What is the Purpose of the FNAC Test?
The purpose of the FNAC test is as follows:
- Helps in evaluating tumour growth in the body or lumps in various organs of the body like skin, armpit and groin.
- Helps in diagnosing cancer in deep-seated parts of the body.
- Helps in tracking the progress of different stages of cancer from 1 to 4.
- Helps in determining the reoccurrence of cancer after the treatment of chemotherapy, radiology or surgery.
- It helps the doctor determine the efficiency of the already ongoing treatment of diagnosed cancers.
What happens during FNAC Test –
Whether a person needs anaesthesia or not depends on the place where the person is getting tested. As we know FNAC test uses an extreme gauge needle attached to a needle and then inserted into the area or organ that is to be tested or biopsied. Sometimes a person may feel mild pain or inflammation for a few days after the test so the doctor may advise some pain medication according to the need.
What is the Procedure of the FNAC Test –
The FNAC test procedure includes the following procedure.
- The professional will clean your wound with antiseptic and then cover it with a clean towel.
- Then a numbing agent is applied to the skin.
- Ultrasound is then carried out to determine the appropriate site for fine needle insertion.
- A thin needle attached to a syringe is then inserted into the skin.
- A vacuum is then created inside the needle which helps in drawing the blood and then taking a tissue that is needed for the biopsy.
- The procedure is usually completed in 10 minutes and then the sample is sent to the labs for further testing.
- The person may be ordered an ice pack for reducing the pain at eh site after the procedure.
What is the Meaning of FNAC Test Results –
The following will help you navigate through your test result but it is best to consult a doctor for a proper analysis and to determine if further treatment is needed or not. The test will tell you whether the tissue that was taken from an organ or lump during the procedure is cancerous or not or in simple words if it is dangerous to the body or not. The accuracy of these tests usually depends on various factors like the size and location of the nodule, the accuracy of the doctor who is conducting the test and the accuracy of the pathologist determining the results.
- Benin – In this case, cells are normal and non-malignant.
- Malignant – These cells are determined to be abnormal and said to be cancerous.
- Suspicious – These may look abnormal and may require further testing to determine whether they are malignant or in other words cancerous or not.
What are the Uses Of the FNAC Test?
The FNAC test is used for various testing procedures –
- Body Fluid Sampling.
- Chronic Villus Sampling.
- Breast Abscess or Cyst Sampling.
- Seroma Sampling.
- Lymphoma Detection.
- Tuberculosis Detection.
- Granulomatous Lymphadenitis.
- Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies.
Conclusion –
FNAC test is a fairly invasive and quick procedure that helps in determining various diseases or helps prevent many minor or major diseases before they can get any worse. Make sure you consult a doctor after getting or before getting the results after getting the result meaning you get e proper diagnosis before the result to determine whether you even need to get this test or not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
What is the cost of the FNAC test in Delhi?
The exact cost of the test in Delhi depends on the location where you are getting the test but the cost is usually 1000 – 4000.
Can FNAC detect TB?
FNAC test has detected TB in 77% of cases.
What is a biopsy test?
It is a procedure to remove samples or cells from your body which is then sent to the labs for further testing.
Does the FNAC test cause pain?
The degree of pain may depend on person to person and sometimes on the fact from where the sample is collected.
Can FNAC be negative?
The test can result it negative but it does not rule out the possibility of not having a disease it lets the doctor know that the cell collected in the form of the tissue sample is normal.
