Fine-Needle-Aspiration-Cytology-Thyroid-Gland

A fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid is a procedure that involves removing a small amount of tissue from the thyroid gland with a thin needle for examination

A thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of tissue from your thyroid gland. Cells are removed through a small, hollow needle. The sample is sent to the lab for analysis. The thyroid gland is in the front of your neck.

How the Test is Performed

This test may be done in your health care provider's office or in a hospital. Numbing medicine (anesthesia) may or may not be used. Because the needle is very thin, you may not need this medicine.

You lie on your back with a pillow under your shoulders with your neck extended. The biopsy site is cleaned. A thin needle is inserted into your thyroid, where it collects a sample of thyroid cells and fluid. The needle is then taken out. If your provider cannot feel the biopsy site, they may use ultrasound or a CT scan to guide where to put the needle. Ultrasound and CT scans are painless procedures that show images inside the body.