Fine-Needle Aspiration

Fine-Needle Aspiration

Answer.FNAC is also called fine needle aspiration cytology.

• FNAC is the microscopic examination of aspirate which is obtained by penetrating a fine needle in the lesion.
• FNAC is a procedure for rapid diagnosis.

FNAC Procedure

• Position the needle over the target area in the lesion.
• As the needle is penetrated and is positioned a plunger is pulled to apply negative pressure.
• Negative pressure should be released as the needle remains in the target tissue.
• The needle is withdrawn and defamed air is withdrawn outside.
• A drop of aspirate is taken on the slide and is thoroughly spread.
• Fix the slide by keeping it in 95% of alcohol for one hour.
• Staining with PAP stain should be done.

FNAC Indications

• Help in the diagnosis of swellings of the head and neck region.
• Part of initial diagnostic work-up of lymphadenopathy, metastatic lesion, or lymphomas.
• Helps in distinguishing benign from malignant and cystic lesions from inflammatory lesions.
• Aids in diagnosis for salivary gland pathologies.
• Helps to identify the cause of enlarged lymph nodes.

FNAC Advantages

• FNAC is minimally invasive.
• FNAC is a safe, fast, and cost-effective method.
• FNAC is less time-consuming.
• FNAC does not spread the tumors, or disrupt the field for surgical dissection.