Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)

FNAC is a diagnostic procedure to investigate lumps/masses. FNAC has become an acceptable and widely practiced minimally invasive technique that is safe, simple, cost-effective, and accurate as a first-line investigative technique. 

Aspiration is done using a thin, hollow needle attached to 10ml/20ml syringe. If the lump is felt, aspiration is done directly otherwise it is done under radiological (guided) intervention. Once the material is obtained, slides are prepared and examined under a microscope for cytological diagnosis. The technique is used in the diagnosis of breast lumps, thyroid nodules, liver diseases, soft tissue masses, oral lesions, and salivary gland diseases.

It is a minor and less traumatic procedure. The major importance of this test is the timely diagnosis and treatment of the patients. The test is known for rapid and accurate diagnosis. It also prevents undue surgical intervention. It can confirm a clinical suspicion of local recurrence or spread of known cancer and differentiate noncancerous and cancerous lesions. Further, advanced testing like bacterial cultures, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and polymerase chain reaction are possible from FNAC material.

Hence, FNAC is an economically valuable technique and deserves greater recognition. In the clinical context, a method has much to offer by saving patients from inappropriate operations and investigations and allowing surgeons to plan quickly and more rationally.