Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

This examination is used when palpation, mammography, or ultrasound reveal a questionable or suspected lesion. In this way it is possible to verify the diagnostic hypothesis formulated with the clinical study or with images.

The exam does not have an absolute value. The result of the sampling must be re-evaluated with the other tests performed.

Always carry mammograms, breast ultrasounds, breast MRI or fine needle aspirations and needle biopsies performed previously. It is essential to bring the exams that required to proceed with fine needle aspiration.

The examination consists in inserting a thin needle into the breast, the same used for an intramuscular injection, guiding it into the lesion under examination. Once in the lesion, through aspiration, some cells are collected and analyzed by the pathologist (cytological analysis). The sampling is usually performed by the radiologist, most often under ultrasound guidance, observing in real time on the monitor the position of the needle in relation to the lesion. 

The examination is performed on an outpatient basis, may involve some pain, similar to that of an intramuscular injection, and lasts about 5'. No preparation or medication is needed. Agocentesis is the emptying of a cyst performed with the same technique as needle aspiration.