Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) cytology is a minimally invasive diagnostic technique utilized by healthcare professionals to examine tissue samples obtained from various body parts, such as thyroid nodules, breast masses, and lymph nodes. Developed in the 1970s, FNAC has emerged as one of the most valuable tools for diagnosing diseases accurately while reducing surgical interventions. This blog will discuss its background, importance, advantages, limitations, and applications across different medical fields.

The concept behind FNAC originated when Dr. Cosmas Papavramidis observed blood vessels within thyroid lesions during a surgery in 1971. He hypothesized that these vessels could supply nutrients and oxygen to tumor cells residing deep inside the tissue sample if they were removed through a small incision. Thus, he invented the FNA technique using thin-walled glass pipettes or 18-gauge needles attached to vacuum pumps, enabling doctors to collect fluid samples from suspicious tissues without causing significant trauma.

FNAC has revolutionized medicine by offering accurate diagnoses quickly and safely compared to traditional surgical biopsies. With minimal invasion and discomfort, it enables physicians to obtain cellular material directly from the affected area without affecting surrounding healthy tissue. Moreover, this technique allows multiple samples to be collected simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of obtaining sufficient tissue material for analysis. Consequently, FNA plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions and determining further actions like surgery, medication, radiation therapy, or observation.

Advantages:

1. Minimally Invasive: Unlike conventional biopsies requiring larger incisions, FNAC involves only a tiny puncture which reduces scarring, pain, recovery time, and overall risks associated with surgery.

2. Quick Results: Samples can typically be processed within 30 minutes after collection, allowing rapid diagnosis and informed treatment planning.

3. Reproducibility: Since FNA involves collecting tissue fragments rather than whole sections, repeat tests are often possible if additional information is needed or results are inconclusive.

4. Multiple Biopsies: Obtaining multiple samples simultaneously increases accuracy rates by providing doctors with more comprehensive data about the patient’s condition.

5. Reduced Risk of Infection: Needle-based procedures have lower risks of infection compared to open surgeries due to improved sterile techniques and equipment.

6. Fewer Complications: With careful procedure execution, complications such as hemorrhage, nerve injury, or infection occur infrequently.

Limitations:

1. Limited Application: While FNA works well for solid tumors, liquid-based cancers like leukemia may require alternative methods for sampling. Additionally, certain conditions like malignant melanoma may necessitate deeper tissue penetration through incisions or ultrasound-guided needles.

2. False Negatives: Although uncommon, there is a possibility of missing cancerous cells during FNA collections, leading to incorrect negative results. Follow-up testing may be necessary to confirm diagnosis accuracy.

3. False Positives: Similarly, collecting non-malignant cells mistakenly can lead to unnecessary treatments or follow-up investigations. Regular monitoring of test results is vital to avoid misdiagnosis.

4. Experience Required: Performing high-quality FNA requires expertise in handling specialized equipment and maintaining proper sterile technique. Training programs exist to ensure skilled professionals perform these tests correctly. At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, FNAC procedure is conducted by specialist doctors.

Applications Across Medical Fields:

1. Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid nodules constitute 65% of all FNA cases, reflecting their prevalence among adults worldwide. The test is used to diagnose benign and malignant thyroid disorders including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancers such as papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma, and medullary carcinoma.

2. Breast Conditions: Fine Needle Aspiration is essential in evaluating breast abnormalities like lumps, cysts, or calcifications. It assists in identifying breast cancer, fibroadenomas, phyllodes tumors, ductal carcinomas, and angiosarcomas.

3. Lymph Node Assessment: FNA is commonly performed for assessing lymph nodes involved in lymphomas, metastatic cancers, and infectious diseases. By examining cellular patterns, pathologists identify whether cancerous cells are present in lymph nodes before deciding upon appropriate treatment options.

4. Respiratory Diseases: Bronchial cytology is conducted using FNA to analyze bronchial wall tissue samples suspected of containing lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or infections like tuberculosis.

5. Skin Lesions: Fine Needle Aspiration cytology examines skin growths, including pigmented lesions, moles, and skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

To get a FNAC done at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number 9830117733.

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Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.