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Diagnosis and staging of Malignancy, Tissue Diagnosis by FNAC / FNAB

Accurate diagnosis and staging of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers is crucial for planning effective treatment. One of the most important steps in this process is obtaining a tissue diagnosis, which confirms the presence and type of cancer.

FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) and FNAB (Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy) are minimally invasive techniques used to collect tissue or cell samples from suspected tumors or abnormal areas within the GI tract or surrounding organs.

What are FNAC and FNAB?
  • FNAC involves using a very thin needle to extract cells for microscopic examination.
  • FNAB uses a slightly larger needle to obtain small tissue fragments, which provide more detailed structural information.

Both procedures are typically performed under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or imaging guidance to ensure accuracy.

    Why are these procedures done?
    • To confirm the presence of cancer
    • To determine the type and grade of the tumor
    • To identify if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs
    • To guide the staging of malignancy and treatment planning (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.)
    Common indications:
    • Suspected cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, colon, or bile ducts
    • Enlarged lymph nodes or masses seen on imaging
    • Pancreatic cysts or tumors
    • Unexplained abdominal lumps or swellings
    Benefits of FNAC / FNAB:
    • Minimally invasive
    • Quick and safe with minimal discomfort
    • Can often be done as an outpatient procedure
    • Helps avoid unnecessary surgery
    • Provides vital information for personalized treatment planning
    What to expect:
    • Usually performed with local anesthesia or sedation
    • Guided by endoscopy, ultrasound, or CT scan
    • Samples are sent to the lab for cytological and histopathological analysis
    • Results are typically available within a few days
    Is it safe?

    Yes, FNAC and FNAB are generally safe procedures. Mild discomfort or bruising may occur at the needle site. Serious complications like bleeding or infection are very rare.

    Early and accurate diagnosis using FNAC/FNAB plays a critical role in managing gastrointestinal malignancies effectively.