Breast FNAC in a nutshell
FNAC is an invasive procedure that involves penetrating a thin needle into the breast tissue in order to extract some of the underlying tissue through syringe action.
Breast cancer claims many lives in every part of the world. Ignorance and taboo are the 2 main reasons for the same. Sadly not many women are aware of the symptoms of breast cancer. And to make things worse, even when many women experience pain or other discomforts, they overlook it due to embarrassment. It has been found most women seek treatment in many later stages, only when they can no longer tolerate pain. However, they should be aware that breast cancer treatment is highly effective if it is availed at the right time.
Today, we will discuss one diagnostic screening of breast cancer treatment, the Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology or commonly known as FNAC.
FNAC is an invasive procedure that involves penetrating a thin needle into the breast tissue in order to extract some of the underlying tissue through syringe action. It is done in order to examine the tissues in a laboratory to estimate whether or not it has a malignancy in it.
How to prepare for an FNAC screening?
There are no prerequisites of undergoing an FNAC. However, you should be a little aware of the procedure. It will help you be mentally prepared in advance. It will save you the horror when the nurse in the diagnosis will bring a needle ready to prick on your bare chest. You should reach the pathology center sometime earlier than your scheduled timing.
How FNAC is carried out?
The procedure of the FNAC is carried out with the following guidelines-
After you get inside for our screening, you will be asked to take off the upper portion of your clothing. You will be advised to wear a 2 part clothing like a top or Kurtis with pants or a skirt. This way, you can undo the upper clothing and slide back into it, after the procedure quite easily.
After you undress your chest, you will be asked to lie down on the clinical bed. The doctor will then locate the lump in your breast based on your previous reports. Often these are the USG or mammogram reports that help them to locate the lump accurately. After the spot is cleaned with an antibacterial liquid and a thin, sterilized needle is inserted carefully into the breast to reach the lump.
A little amount of the breast tissue is then extracted while withdrawing the needle. There is little to no blooding associated with an FNAC. The punctured spot is once again dabbed with antibacterial liquid and you are asked to get dressed.
Does FNAC is painful
Even though the procedure does sound a lot painful it is often not the case. Of course, it is going to have some pain as the needle will be penetrating the breast tissue, it is often not described as intolerable pain by the patients undergoing the same.
Based on the FNAC report, the doctor determines the suitable method of breast cancer treatment. However, remember that not every patient who is advised to go for an FNAC is a suspecting breast cancer patient. It is recommended to many patients with breast lumps to rule out the possibility of breast cancer.
