FNAC Procedure & Examination Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is a quick, minimally invasive way of finding out what a lump or swelling is made of without resorting to surgery. A pathologist or radiologist passes a thin needle — finer than the one used for a routine blood draw — into the swelling and gently withdraws a small sample of cells, which are spread onto glass slides, stained, and examined under the microscope. The whole procedure takes only a few minutes and usually needs no anaesthetic. It is most often requested for a neck or thyroid swelling, an enlarged lymph node, a breast lump, a salivary gland mass, or any superficial lump that a doctor can feel; deeper lesions can be sampled under ultrasound or CT guidance. In Nepal, lymph-node aspirates frequently turn out to reflect tuberculosis rather than cancer, and FNAC is a fast, low-cost first step that can distinguish reactive nodes, granulomatous (tubercular) disease, and malignancy — often guiding treatment within days. The report describes the cells seen and places the lump in a broad category: benign, inflammatory or infective, suspicious, or malignant. Because it samples loose cells rather than an intact piece of tissue, FNAC cannot always grade a tumour fully or confirm invasion, so an inconclusive or worrying result is commonly followed by a core-needle or surgical biopsy. Your doctor reads it alongside the clinical examination, your ultrasound findings, and tests such as thyroid function where relevant. It is safe, with only minor bruising or soreness expected afterwards.

Sample type

Cells aspirated from a lump or swelling (fine-needle aspirate smears)

Preparation

No fasting needed. If you take blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin or clopidogrel, tell us beforehand. Bring any earlier ultrasound, CT or biopsy reports of the lump. Wear loose clothing that gives easy access to the area being sampled.

Turnaround time

Reports for FNAC Procedure & Examination are typically ready within: 4th Working Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other pathology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside FNAC Procedure & Examination or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.