FNAC -SINGLE SITE

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a diagnostic technique for fluid-filled lumps or lesions that may be present in various structures of the body. A fine needle is introduced at the site of interest, and using a syringe, a small volume is aspirated which contains cells and tissue fragments. The aspirated material is looked for abnormal cells which could be inflammatory, neoplastic, or malignant. 

The technique is quick, minimally surgically invasive, and tissue diagnosis can often be obtained in a day. It is helpful in the diagnosis of almost all structures including the thyroid, breast, lymph nodes, and other soft tissues. 

The FNAC test examines the abnormalities and variations in the cellular structure concerning the affected area. The test can help in diagnosing: 

1. Inflammation 

2. Benign tumours 

3. Malignancies 

4. Infective conditions 

5. Other abnormal changes in cells 

FNAC is routinely done when a patient has external protrusions (lumps) or when there are structural abnormalities visualized during scans.  

This method is widely accepted in the following areas: 

1. Assessing a mass or lump in the breast 

2. Abnormal lymph nodes 

3. Thyroid nodules 

4. Soft tissue masses 

5. Inflammatory or infective conditions 

Risks linked to FNAC are quite insignificant but on some occasions can include: 

1. Painful sensations 

2. Bleeding or bruising 

3. Rare chance of infection 

4. Rare chance of injury to other tissues 

The limitations of FNAC include: 

The following are some important diagnostic aspects that need to be considered:  

1. Results may be erroneous (however, this is infrequent) 

2. The absence of the capability to identify a few cancer varieties as opposed to non-malignant ones 

3. In specific scenarios, a biopsy is required to confirm the existing condition. 

The parameters evaluated using FNAC include the following:  

1. The figure and structure of the cell, which is referred to as Cellular morphology  

2. Cell arrangement is called cell distribution.  

3. Cell differentiation refers to how mature cells are, and  

4. The presence of atypical nuclei, mitotic figures, and other abnormal features indicates changes in cell structure.  

5. Inflammatory cells or microorganisms  

6. These parameters may require adjustment depending on other considerations like the age of the patient, existing health issues, among other factors. 

FNAC procedure is designated specially for patients with a noticeable lump, mass, or abnormal imaging results and may be recommended by the healthcare provider for other patients. Those suffering from cancer, thyroid disease or inflammatory diseases might particularly benefit from FNAC. 

FNAC is a fast, trouble-free, and accurate technique of biopsy that aids in the diagnosis of abnormal cell proliferations and therapy restarts so that treatment can be started promptly, providing the following benefits: 

1. Easy to perform with few complications 

2. Immediate analyses of cases 

3. Wide scope of differentiations 

4. Guiding the therapy and providing the follow up 

FNAC can be performed in different types of conditions like: 

1. Non-cancerous tumours 
2. Tumours that are malignant (cancers) 
3. Tumours of inflammatory origin 
4. Infective conditions 
5. Disorders of the Thyroid 
6. Tumours of Soft Tissue 

There are few steps which can prepare the patient for the procedure hence patients should: 

1. Make sure that they communicate to their doctors all the medical and surgical illnesses that may influence their bleeding or are on blood thinners 

2. Wash the site of insertion and clean it free from cosmetic items like powders and lipsticks. 

3. Dress loose garments which would allow faster access to the selected area 

4. Ensure that there is a follow up set to meet the doctor to make clear the outcomes of the procedure and the future treatment. 

Prerequisites: 

1. Discuss the issue with the relevant medical practitioner and their requirement and examination fitness and confirm it 

2. Schedule a meeting with the physician and tell them what you wish to get done. 

3. Let your physician know if there are conditions related to this that could be important. 

Eligibility: 

1. Women who have detectable lumps, masses, or abnormal imaging studies are needed. 

2. Pregnant women and women with bleeding tendencies may need special considerations. 

How the Medical Test is Performed: 

1. A sample of some cells is taken using a sterile needle and syringe, 

2. A local anaesthetic is injected into the area where the needle is to be placed if needed 

3. Ultrasound or CT scan may be utilized to assist with accurate needle placement 

4. This is a short procedure normally lasting about 15-30 minutes 

Caution Before the Test: 

1. Patients should advise their healthcare provider of any anticoagulant therapy or bleeding disorders 

2. Local anaesthetic may be used to minimize discomfort during the procedure