FNAC Test for Thyroid Nodule in Delhi — A thyroid nodule — a lump in the thyroid gland — is one of the most common reasons for FNAC test referral. While most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), about 5–10% can be malignant. Thyroid FNAC is the single most important and accurate test to determine whether a thyroid nodule is benign or cancerous — and should be performed before any thyroid surgery.
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What Is Thyroid FNAC? for FNAC Test for Thyroid Nodule in Delhi
Thyroid FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) is a procedure where a fine needle is inserted into the thyroid nodule — under ultrasound guidance — to collect cells for microscopic examination. The cells are examined by a pathologist using the internationally standardised Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology.
When Is Thyroid FNAC Recommended? for FNAC Test for Thyroid Nodule in Delhi
- Thyroid nodule ≥1 cm detected on ultrasound
- Nodule with high-suspicion features on ultrasound (irregular margins, microcalcifications, taller-than-wide shape)
- Rapidly growing thyroid swelling
- Nodule in a patient with risk factors: family history of thyroid cancer, neck radiation history, age <20 or >70 years
- Multinodular goiter with a dominant or suspicious nodule
- Cervical lymph nodes suspicious for thyroid cancer spread
The Bethesda System: Understanding Your Thyroid FNAC Report
Bethesda I — Non-Diagnostic
The sample contained too few cells or was inadequate for diagnosis. A repeat FNAC under ultrasound guidance is recommended. Occurs in about 5–10% of cases.
Bethesda II — Benign
The nodule is benign (non-cancerous). Includes benign follicular nodule, colloid nodule, thyroiditis, and Hashimoto’s disease. Malignancy risk: <3%. Follow-up ultrasound in 1–2 years recommended.
Bethesda III — Atypia of Undetermined Significance (AUS)
Cells show some abnormal features but insufficient for a definitive diagnosis. Malignancy risk: 10–30%. Repeat FNAC or molecular testing recommended.
Bethesda IV — Follicular Neoplasm
Cells suggest a follicular tumour that could be benign (follicular adenoma) or malignant (follicular carcinoma). Surgery (thyroid lobectomy) is usually recommended to determine the final diagnosis.
Bethesda V — Suspicious for Malignancy
Features are strongly suggestive of cancer but not definitively malignant. Malignancy risk: 60–75%. Near-total thyroidectomy is usually recommended.
Bethesda VI — Malignant
Cancer cells definitively identified. Includes papillary thyroid carcinoma (most common), medullary carcinoma, and anaplastic carcinoma. Malignancy risk: 97–99%. Surgery is required.
Thyroid FNAC Procedure at Edge Imaging
Pre-Procedure Assessment
A diagnostic thyroid ultrasound is performed first to assess the nodule’s size, location, and characteristics (solid vs cystic, calcifications, vascularity). The radiologist selects the optimal needle approach.
USG-Guided Aspiration
The neck is positioned by extending the head slightly backward. The skin is cleaned. The fine needle is inserted under real-time ultrasound guidance directly into the nodule. 2–4 passes are performed to collect adequate material.
Rapid Assessment
At Edge Imaging, our FNAC Test for Thyroid Nodule in Delhi includes immediate slide assessment for adequacy to confirm sufficient cells have been collected before you leave — minimising the need for repeat procedures.
Thyroid FNAC Cost in Delhi 2026
Price at Edge Imaging
Thyroid FNAC (ultrasound-guided): ₹1,800–₹2,500 including guidance and cytology report. This is significantly lower than large private hospital rates (₹5,000–₹12,000) with equivalent quality.
CGHS Rate
CGHS-empanelled rate is available for government employees. Contact Edge Imaging with your CGHS card for cashless processing.
Preparing for Thyroid FNAC
- No fasting required
- Do not stop thyroid medications (levothyroxine) before the test
- Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) 5–7 days before if possible
- Wear a comfortable top with a low collar for easy neck access
- Bring previous thyroid ultrasound reports and TSH/thyroid function test results
After Your Thyroid FNAC
- Mild neck soreness is normal for 24–48 hours
- Apply gentle pressure if minor bruising occurs
- Continue normal diet and thyroid medication
- Report is ready within 24–48 hours
- Free consultation available at Edge Imaging to explain your Bethesda result
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is thyroid FNAC painful?
Thyroid FNAC is generally well tolerated. The needle used is as thin as that for a blood test. Most patients report only a brief pinch. Local anaesthesia is not routinely required. The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Q2. How accurate is FNAC for thyroid cancer?
FNAC is 95%+ accurate for definitively benign or malignant thyroid nodules. The Bethesda system provides standardised, reproducible results that guide surgical decision-making. Bethesda II (benign) results carry a cancer risk of less than 3%.
Q3. Does a Bethesda II result mean I don’t need surgery?
Yes, a Bethesda II (benign) result means the nodule is almost certainly non-cancerous. Surgery is not recommended. Regular follow-up ultrasound every 1–2 years is advised to monitor for any size change.
Q4. What if my FNAC shows Bethesda III or IV?
Bethesda III (AUS) and IV (follicular neoplasm) results are indeterminate — they don’t definitively tell us if the nodule is benign or malignant. Your endocrinologist or surgeon will discuss options including repeat FNAC, molecular testing, or diagnostic surgery (thyroid lobectomy).
Q5. Can thyroid FNAC miss a cancer?
The false-negative rate for thyroid FNAC (missing a cancer) is approximately 3–5% — primarily when the sample is inadequate or the cancer is of the follicular type (which cannot be distinguished from benign follicular nodule by cytology alone). Ultrasound guidance significantly reduces inadequate sampling.
Q6. How long do thyroid FNAC results take?
At Edge Imaging, FNAC Test for Thyroid Nodule in Delhi results are available within 24–48 hours. We provide the report with a Bethesda category, cell description, and recommendation — ready for your next specialist appointment.
Q7. Should I have FNAC for every thyroid nodule?
Not every nodule needs FNAC. Current guidelines (ATA 2015) recommend FNAC only for nodules ≥1 cm with intermediate or high-suspicion ultrasound features, or any nodule in a high-risk patient. Very low-suspicion nodules may be monitored with ultrasound alone.
Q8. Where can I get thyroid FNAC in West Delhi?
Edge Imaging & Diagnostics offers expert FNAC Test for Thyroid Nodule in Delhi with ultrasound-guidance at all our West Delhi centres: Tagore Garden, Paschim Vihar, and Moti Nagar. Same-day or next-day appointments available.
Book Thyroid FNAC at Edge Imaging Delhi Today
Don’t ignore a thyroid nodule. An early, accurate FNAC Test for Thyroid Nodule in Delhi at Edge Imaging can determine whether you need treatment or simply reassured monitoring — potentially saving you from unnecessary surgery.
📍 Locations: Tagore Garden | Paschim Vihar | Moti Nagar | New Multan Nagar
✅ NABH Accredited | CGHS & DGHS Empanelled | Same-Day Reporting
📞 Call or WhatsApp to book your appointment today.
For more information, explore our related guide: FNAC Test in Delhi
For more information on this procedure, refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on medical procedures.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment advice.