FNAC & Biopsy - Dr. Pushan Shama

FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) and biopsy are two medical procedures that are used to diagnose and/or treat a variety of conditions. Both procedures involve the removal of a small sample of tissue from the body, but they are used for different purposes and have different advantages and disadvantages.

FNAC is a quick and simple procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic. A thin, hollow needle is inserted into the area of concern and a small sample of tissue is withdrawn. The sample is then examined under a microscope to determine if there are any abnormal cells present. FNAC is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as thyroid nodules, lymph node swelling, and breast lumps.

One of the advantages of FNAC is that it is relatively non-invasive and can be performed with minimal discomfort. It also provides a quick and accurate diagnosis, which can help to reduce anxiety and uncertainty for patients. Additionally, FNAC is a cost-effective procedure that can be performed by a variety of healthcare professionals.

However, there are some limitations to FNAC. The procedure is not always accurate, and there is a risk of false-negative results. Additionally, FNAC is not recommended for certain types of conditions, such as deep-seated tumors or bone lesions. In these cases, a more invasive procedure such as a biopsy may be required.

A biopsy is a procedure in which a larger sample of tissue is removed from the body for examination. Biopsies can be performed using a variety of methods, including surgical biopsy, incisional biopsy, and excisional biopsy. The type of biopsy performed will depend on the location and size of the area of concern.

One of the advantages of a biopsy is that it provides a larger sample of tissue for examination, which can increase the accuracy of the diagnosis. Additionally, a biopsy can be used to confirm a diagnosis made by FNAC or to diagnose conditions that cannot be diagnosed with FNAC. Biopsies can also be used to diagnose cancer.

However, there are also some disadvantages to biopsies. The procedure is more invasive than FNAC, and there may be some discomfort or pain associated with the procedure. Additionally, biopsies can be more expensive than FNAC and may require a longer recovery time.

In conclusion, both FNAC and biopsy are medical procedures that involve the removal of a small sample of tissue from the body. FNAC is a quick and simple procedure that is often used to diagnose conditions such as thyroid nodules and breast lumps. A biopsy is a more invasive procedure that is used to diagnose conditions that cannot be diagnosed with FNAC or to confirm a diagnosis made by FNAC. Both procedures have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on the individual patient and their condition.