Learn about Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure performed by an oncologist to evaluate suspicious lumps or masses. Using a very thin, hollow needle, the specialist extracts a small sample of cells from the area of concern, such as a thyroid nodule, breast lump, or enlarged lymph node. The collected cells are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine if they are benign (non-cancerous), malignant (cancerous), or indicative of another condition like infection. This quick, outpatient procedure is a cornerstone of cancer diagnosis, providing critical information to guide treatment planning with minimal discomfort and a low risk of complications.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 16 – USD 87 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More
Turkey USD 121 – USD 644 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More

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.

Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon60 Doctors

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon141 Doctors

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Vijayawada

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon21 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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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.

Dr. Garvit Chitkara
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Breast surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Gagan Gautam
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Uro Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Yajuvendra Gawai
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Prasad Bhagunde
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Kunjahari Medhi
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Kanchan Kaur
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Mukesh Desai
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Pradeep Moonot
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Suresh Advani
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Pradeep B. Bhosale
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Sudeep Sarkar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Ashok Singhvi
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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Dr. Hemant B. Tongaonkar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Uro Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Niraj Vora
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Anil Karkhanis
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

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Dr. Manish Agarwal
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Mihir Bapat
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Gastrointestinal Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Muzammil Shaikh
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Medical Oncologist
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MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Dimple Ahluwalia
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Gynecologic Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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