FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology)
What is an FNAC test?
Why is FNAC done?
- Evaluate lumps or swellings in the neck, breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, salivary glands, or soft tissues
- Detect infections or cysts
- Diagnose tumors or rule out cancer
- Help decide if surgery or medical treatment is required
How is FNAC performed?
At Mitra Diagnostics, FNAC is performed by an experienced pathologist or radiologist using a fine needle (22–24 gauge):
- The skin over the swelling is cleaned.
- A fine needle is gently inserted to withdraw cellular material.
- The procedure takes just a few minutes.
- The sample is spread on glass slides and examined microscopically.
If the lump is deep or not easily felt, ultrasound-guided FNAC is done for accurate sampling.
Why choose Mitra Diagnostics for FNAC?
- Performed by experienced pathologists & radiologists
- Ultrasound-guided FNAC available for deep lesions
- Quick, safe, and painless procedure
- Strict hygiene and patient privacy
Contact Us
- 072076 10053
- 040 35511069
- Panchayatiraj Teachers Colony, B.N Reddy Nagar, Hyderabad
More Frequently Asked Questions
Is FNAC painful?
- – The procedure causes minimal discomfort — similar to a small injection prick.
- – No anesthesia or hospitalization is required.
- – At Mitra Diagnostics, every FNAC is performed gently and hygienically to ensure maximum comfort
How long does the procedure take?
FNAC usually takes 5–10 minutes.
You can return to normal activities immediately afterward.
Is any preparation needed before FNAC?
- – No special preparation or fasting is required.
- – Inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel) or have any bleeding disorder.
- – Wear comfortable clothing for easy access to the swelling site.
What happens after the procedure?
- – A small cotton pad or dressing may be applied for a few minutes.
- – You can resume daily work immediately.
- – Mild soreness or bruising may occur but settles within a day.
Are there any side effects?
FNAC is a very safe procedure.
Rarely, you may experience:
- – Minor pain or bruising at the needle site
- – Mild bleeding (which stops quickly)
All procedures at Mitra Diagnostics are performed under sterile conditions to prevent infection.
Don’t worry our Dr has performed more than 1000 Fnac procedures.
What information does the FNAC provide?
The test helps identify:
- – Benign lesions (like cysts, fibroadenoma, lipoma, thyroid nodules)
- – Inflammatory or infectious lesions (like abscess, granuloma, tuberculosis)
- – Malignant or cancerous cells (to confirm or rule out cancer)
Your doctor will interpret the results in correlation with clinical and imaging findings.
How long does it take to get the FNAC report?
Reports are usually ready within 24 hours at Mitra Diagnostics, depending on the type of sample and special stains needed.
Urgent reports can be provided on the same day if required.
Is ultrasound guidance needed for all FNACs?
Not always.
If the swelling is deep-seated, small, or not easily felt, ultrasound-guided FNAC ensures accurate sample collection.
This is routinely available at Mitra Diagnostics.
What happens if the FNAC result is inconclusive?
Sometimes, if the sample has insufficient cells, a repeat FNAC or Tru-Cut biopsy may be advised for a clearer diagnosis.
Who interprets the FNAC results?
All FNAC smears are examined and reported by qualified pathologists at Mitra Diagnostics with detailed microscopic evaluation and correlation with clinical findings.