Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
Also known as: FNAC, FNA, fine-needle aspiration
A quick test that uses a thin needle to draw cells from a lump for microscopic examination.
Definition
Fine-needle aspiration cytology, or FNAC, uses a thin needle (similar to a blood-test needle) and a syringe to draw out a few cells from a lump for examination under the microscope. It is fast, can be done in the clinic with little or no anaesthetic, and is often the first investigation for a palpable lump in the breast, thyroid, lymph node or salivary gland.
FNAC is excellent at distinguishing many benign lumps from cancer, but because it samples only cells (not whole tissue), a positive result is usually confirmed with a core or excisional biopsy so that grade and biomarkers such as HER2 can be assessed.
See also
- Biopsy — A small sample of tissue taken from the body and examined under a microscope.
- Cytology — The microscopic study of individual cells to look for cancer or other abnormalities.
- Excisional Biopsy — A biopsy in which the entire lump or suspicious area is removed for examination.
- Ultrasound — A safe scan that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of organs and lumps.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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