FNAC is not the new phrase in medical diagnosis but it is the technique which has been employed from long now to identify different conditions of lumps, swelling, infection and other conditions which are required to be identified.
FNAC is the abbreviated term for fine needle aspiration cytology which involves aspirating a small sample of affected area and examining it under microscope for the pathogen of the condition. There are different conditions which are identified by the FNAC test and these are cancer, infections, inflammatory conditions etc. FNAC test is very minimally invasive and has a high diagnostic rate that assists patients in identifying conditions without undergoing any surgical procedure.
What is the FNAC Test?
FNAC is the abbreviation of a medical process named Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology:
The procedure is fast, cost-effective and minimally invasive to check the different conditions. Such conditions include lumps, masses, swelling and nodules in the body and aid in detecting the condition without seeking any large scale surgical procedure for detection of abnormality. There are certain regions of the body particularly the thyroid, breasts, lymph nodes and salivary glands where this procedure is useful for identifying abnormality.
This procedure is simple and does not require any diagnostic tool. A simple hollow needle is used for the process, and it is done at the place of concern. The slide will be reviewed by a trained pathologist and confirm the diagnosis. This process is useful in diagnosing conditions including cancer, infection, and inflammation of the region etc.
FNAC Test Full Form and Meaning
FNAC stands for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, which is the investigative test employed to search for a range of conditions. This is a simple and cheap process which can identify the reason behind lumps, swellings and other illnesses which may be the cause of some chronic illness.
FNAC test means the diagnostic or testing procedure used to investigate cells from any offending tissue. The cell lumps help identify if it is cancerous (malignant) or not cancerous (benign).
FNAC is provided by doctors to initially check the new lumps for early diagnosis that helps in a fast identification of abnormality.
Purpose of FNAC Test
FNAC test is advised for numerous reasons:
- To rule out or confirm cancer.
- This test aids in the planning of treatment according to diagnosis.
- This aids in planning surgery for the condition.
- To assess familiar lesions which have altered size or texture.
FNAC Test Procedure
The FNAC procedure for the assessment of the lesion is easy, quick, cheap, painless and reliable.
The first stage is preparing the patient for the test, including cleaning the skin around the prick with antiseptic.
The second stage is the act of inserting the needle into the lesion, swelling or abnormal area needing to be tested and aspirating and or obtaining cells or fluids for the sample.
The third stage is to put the sample obtained, or smear, on the glass slide for diagnosis. The slide is examined under the microscope, seeking to determine whether or not there is any abnormality.
The fourth stage is the final stage, where the glass slide is examined by a qualified, experienced pathologist under the microscope, seeking any abnormality.
In total for FNAC testing, the cover to cover process will take approximately 15-20 minutes and the patient can return to his/her normal routine.
FNAC Test for Breast
FNAC test is the most prevalent test applied for breast diagnosis and abnormalities. There are numerous breast-related conditions that can be diagnosed by breasts and are as follows:
FNAC test assists to identify breast cancer in initial stages of infection.
This test of diagnosis assists in differentiating the solid tumors or cysts filled with fluids.
This also assists in directing the treatment prior to going for any form of treatment.
This test also assists in imaging the body’s conditions.
FNAC Test Price
The price of the FNAC test is mostly affordable:
price of FNAC test is approximately Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000. This test is also based on several conditions regarding the price aspect and these are:
Location of Diagnostic lab
Whether the laboratory is private or government
FNAC Test Normal Report
A FNAC test normal report normally indicates that the cells in the sample appear healthy and have no traces of malignancy or infection. The report is used to ascertain if the lump is malignant or benign. Although with a normal report, doctors may advise follow-up in case the lump continues or alters overtime.
What is the meaning if my FNAC Test is Positive?
Positive report of FNAC test indicates that the cells are malignant and requires further analysis to search for the extent of disease. Some of the diagnostic tests which aid to diagnose the disease at large are imaging tests, biopsy tests, surgeries etc.
Benefits of FNAC Test
- Rapid and less invasive.
- No hospitalization is required.
- Low cost.
- Premature immediate results.
- Averts unnecessary surgery.
Conclusion
The FNAC test is the acronym of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology test that is one of the fastest and utmost test used to look into lumps, swellings, infection etc. This is the preferred test as physician can prescribe the same in case of suspected any cancerous behavior in lumps, swellings or infections in the area.
This test is done through sample extraction from the swellings or fluid containing cells and afterwards spread over slide in order to seek the infection. After sample spread on slide, a pathologist will search for any kind of abnormality in the sample and will prepare the results accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the FNAC test?
FNAC test is diagnostic process employing cell sample by needle’s assistance for study.
Q. What is the FNAC test full form?
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology.
Q. What does FNAC test positive means?
The test identified abnormal or cancerous cells.
Q. Is FNAC test painful?
It’s generally brief and only slightly painful.
Q. What is the cost of the FNAC test?
The Cost of FNAC test varies between Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 based on several factors.
Q. Can a FNAC test diagnose cancer?
Yes, FNAC is very effective diagnostic procedure in identifying cancer.
Q. How long is the FNAC test?
The process normally takes 10–15 minutes.
Q. Is the FNAC test safe?
Yes, it’s very safe and minimally invasive.
Q. How to book a FNAC Test?
You can book a FNAC test through a carebox at the best imaging centre near you.
