Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC) in Karnataka
A thin needle is inserted into a thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance to aspirate cells for cytological analysis. Used to evaluate thyroid nodules and disti…
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What is Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC)?
A thin needle is inserted into a thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance to aspirate cells for cytological analysis. Used to evaluate thyroid nodules and distinguish benign from malignant thyroid lesions.
15-30 minutes
Minor soreness and swelling for 24-48 hours; ice pack for relief; resume normal activities immediately; results in 3-5 days
₹1,500 - ₹5,000
Local anesthesia or none
95%
Outpatient
Why Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC) Is Needed
Performed to evaluate a thyroid nodule or lump found on physical examination or imaging, in order to determine whether it is benign or potentially cancerous. It helps guide whether further treatment, monitoring, or surgery is needed without requiring more invasive surgical biopsy in most cases.
Signs You May Need Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC)
Patients are typically referred after noticing or being found to have a lump or swelling in the neck, sometimes along with difficulty swallowing, a change in voice, or a feeling of pressure in the throat. Many thyroid nodules, however, are found incidentally on imaging done for unrelated reasons and cause no symptoms at all before FNAC is recommended.
Types of Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC)
Palpation-guided FNAC is used for larger, easily felt nodules, while ultrasound-guided FNAC is preferred for smaller or deeper nodules to ensure accurate sampling from the correct location. Multiple passes or repeat aspiration may be performed for nodules with prior inconclusive results.
Hospitals offering Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC) (0)
No hospitals listed yet for this procedure in Karnataka — check back soon or browse all hospitals.
Specialists offering Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC) (0)
No specialists listed yet for this procedure in Karnataka.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is thyroid FNAC painful?
Most patients feel only a brief pinch or mild discomfort similar to a blood draw, as the needle used is very thin and the procedure is quick.
How long does it take to get FNAC results?
Results are typically available within 3-5 days, and your endocrinologist will discuss the findings and next steps, whether that's monitoring, further testing, or surgery.
What does an inconclusive FNAC result mean?
Sometimes the sample doesn't provide enough cells for a clear diagnosis, which may require repeating the test or considering additional evaluation like molecular testing or surgical biopsy.
Is a thyroid nodule usually cancerous?
The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, and FNAC is precisely the test used to confirm this and reassure patients, identifying the small percentage that need further treatment.
Will I need surgery after a thyroid FNAC?
Only if the results suggest malignancy or are suspicious/inconclusive on repeat testing; many benign nodules simply require periodic monitoring rather than surgery, as your doctor will advise.