About Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive with no surgical incision required.Quick outpatient procedure, often completed in 15-30 minutes.Provides rapid, accurate diagnosis to guide cancer treatment plans.Generally well-tolerated with local anesthesia.Lower risk of complications compared to surgical biopsy.Minimal scarring and faster recovery time.liCost-effective diagnostic tool./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Evaluation of a newly palpable lump in the breast, thyroid, or soft tissue.
- Assessment of enlarged lymph nodes to rule out lymphoma or metastatic cancer.
- Diagnosis of suspicious masses identified on imaging scans (ultrasound, CT, mammogram).
- Determining if a known tumor is benign or malignant (cancerous).
- Investigating recurrent masses in patients with a history of cancer.
- Guiding treatment decisions for confirmed cancers.
- Diagnosing cysts or infectious abscesses.
How to prepare
- Inform your oncologist about all medications, especially blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel).
- Disclose any allergies, particularly to local anesthetics or latex.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for easy access to the procedure site.
- You may eat and drink normally before the procedure unless instructed otherwise.
- No special fasting is usually required.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home if you are anxious or if the site is difficult to access.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor bleeding or bruising (hematoma) at the needle site.
- Mild pain or discomfort during or after the procedure.
- Small risk of infection at the puncture site.
- Rarely, fainting (vasovagal reaction) during the procedure.
- In very rare cases, injury to nearby structures (e.g., nerves, blood vessels).
- Possibility of an inconclusive or non-diagnostic sample requiring a repeat procedure.
- Extremely rare risk of tumor seeding (spread of cancer cells along the needle tract).
Recovery & hospital stay
- You can typically resume normal activities immediately or within a few hours.
- Apply a cold pack to the site if there is minor swelling or discomfort.
- Keep the bandage clean and dry for 24 hours.
- You may experience mild soreness for 1-2 days; over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
- Monitor the site for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever).
- Your oncologist will schedule a follow-up to discuss the pathology results, usually within a week.
- No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise on the affected side for 24-48 hours.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering fine needle aspiration cytology in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for fine needle aspiration cytology in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform fine needle aspiration cytology. MediFyr helps you compare oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for fine needle aspiration cytology compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated oncologist teams and experience managing patients undergoing fine needle aspiration cytology.
Aditya Nair, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Aditya Nair, a 28-year-old software engineer, first noticed a small, painless lump on the left side of his neck while shaving three months ago. Initially dismissing it as a swollen gland from a recent cold, he grew concerned when it remained unchanged. A persistent, dry cough developed, unrelated to any illness. His primary care physician, after a course of antibiotics failed to shrink the lump, referred him to an oncologist. The oncologist, noting the firm, fixed nature of the lymph node, recommended a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) to rule out lymphoma. During the procedure, Aditya was anxious but found the local anesthetic sting to be the worst part; the actual needle passes felt like odd, deep pressure. The procedure was quick, lasting only 10 minutes. Post-procedure, he had minor bruising and tenderness for a couple of days. The cytology report revealed reactive hyperplasia, a benign inflammatory condition, not cancer. Emotionally, Aditya had been consumed by silent dread, imagining the worst-case scenarios for his future career and family. The benign result brought immense relief and a profound appreciation for his health, though he now carries a heightened awareness of his body.
Oncologists for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform fine needle aspiration cytology and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Medical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 23 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada