CION Ameerpet
Looking for clear, upfront FNAC test cost in Hyderabad? FNAC — fine needle aspiration cytology — uses a very thin needle to draw a small sample of cells from a lump or swelling, which a pathologist then examines under a microscope. It is quick, minimally invasive, usually needs no anaesthesia, and is a common first-line test for many lumps. At CION Cancer Clinics, FNAC is performed by experienced clinicians, image-guided where helpful, and the result is reviewed in a cancer context. Your first consultation is free.
Starting from ₹7,000
There is no single price for an FNAC — it depends mainly on whether image guidance is used and the site sampled. The table below is an indicative guide for common FNAC tests. Your exact, confirmed price is shared once your prescription and reports are reviewed. The cytology examination may be a separate line item at some centres; if a core biopsy is needed afterwards, histopathology is a separate fee — see below.
| FNAC type | Starting price |
|---|---|
| FNAC — palpable lump (no guidance) | ₹8,000 |
| FNAC — ultrasound-guided | ₹7,000 |
| FNAC — thyroid / breast (image-guided) | ₹8,000–10,000 |
Prices shown are indicative and may vary by site, image guidance and the pathology testing required. Histopathology and any special tests (IHC / molecular) are charged separately unless stated.
FNAC is commonly used to assess a thyroid nodule, a breast lump, an enlarged lymph node, a salivary-gland swelling or a soft-tissue lump, and sometimes to drain and check a cyst. It samples cells (cytology) rather than a piece of tissue, which makes it fast and well tolerated. For some solid lumps, FNAC gives the answer on its own; for others, a core needle biopsy may follow to provide more complete information.
CION Cancer Clinics offers FNAC across centres in Hyderabad with indicative pricing shared up front, supported by a wider network of 35+ partner centres across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Because the procedure is performed or coordinated by a cancer specialist rather than a generic diagnostic surgeon, there is less chance of a non-diagnostic sample and a repeat test. For the wider picture, see our hub on Biopsy Cost in Hyderabad.
FNAC can often tell quickly whether a lump contains cancer cells, but for a solid lump a core needle biopsy may be needed to confirm the type and guide treatment. As the U.S. National Cancer Institute notes, the choice of biopsy depends on what the doctor needs to find out.
This is the single most common source of confusion, so we explain it openly. An FNAC has two parts: the procedure to collect the cells, and the laboratory examination of that sample by a pathologist (cytopathology). At some centres the cytology examination is billed separately from the needle procedure. And if your doctor advises a core needle biopsy afterwards for a fuller answer, the histopathology report — and any special tests such as immunohistochemistry (for example ER, PR and HER2 in breast cancer) or molecular testing — is a separate fee. The cheapest option is not always the right one: an accurate, complete result the first time avoids the cost and delay of a repeat.
FNAC samples loose cells; a core needle biopsy removes a small cylinder of intact tissue. Because it preserves tissue structure, a core biopsy can tell invasive cancer from non-invasive disease and allows tests such as ER, PR and HER2 — which FNAC cannot. FNAC is quicker, cheaper and ideal for cysts, lymph nodes and confirming spread; for diagnosing a solid lump, a core biopsy is often preferred. Both have a clear role.
| FNAC (cytology) | Core needle biopsy (histology) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sample taken | Loose cells | A small cylinder of intact tissue |
| What it can tell | Whether cancer cells are present | Invasive vs non-invasive; ER/PR/HER2 and more |
| Best for | Cysts, lymph nodes, confirming spread | Diagnosing a solid lump fully |
| Speed & cost | Quicker, lower cost | A little more involved and costlier |
For a fuller side-by-side, read FNAC vs biopsy.
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Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
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FNAC is done in the outpatient clinic and usually takes only a few minutes. The skin may be cleaned and, for a superficial lump, no anaesthesia is needed — you feel a brief sting, similar to a blood test. Ultrasound guidance may be used to direct the needle for accuracy. There is no stitch, and you can return to normal activities straight away.
A cytology result is often available within one to three days. If the sample is inconclusive (a small proportion are), the test may be repeated or a core needle biopsy advised. At CION, the result is interpreted in your clinical context, reviewed by a tumour board, and explained to you with a clear next step — and you are welcome to a free written second opinion on an outside report.
The site of the lump shapes how the FNAC is done and what it can show. Common site-specific FNAC includes the thyroid, the breast, and lymph nodes. Where a lump cannot be easily felt, an ultrasound-guided biopsy places the needle accurately on the target.
For a specific technique, comparison or site, these guides go deeper:
This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Biopsy prices shown are indicative and may vary by type, site, image guidance and the pathology testing required — histopathology and any special tests (such as IHC or molecular testing) are usually charged separately. Always follow the advice of a qualified doctor regarding whether a biopsy is needed and how to interpret the results.
Hear from the patients and families who came to CION for diagnosis, biopsy and cancer care — in their own words.
A palpable-lump FNAC is at the lower end; ultrasound-guided and image-guided thyroid or breast FNAC cost a little more. CION shares an indicative price once your prescription is reviewed, and the first consultation is free.
Usually only mildly. For a superficial lump no anaesthesia is needed - you feel a brief sting like a blood test. It takes only a few minutes and needs no stitch.
FNAC samples loose cells (cytology); a core needle biopsy removes a small cylinder of intact tissue, which allows fuller diagnosis and tests like ER/PR/HER2. FNAC is quicker and cheaper; a core biopsy gives more complete information for a solid lump.
Yes - FNAC can often tell whether a lump contains cancer cells. For a solid lump, a core biopsy may still be needed to confirm the type and guide treatment.
It depends on the lump. Ultrasound guidance improves accuracy for thyroid, breast and lymph-node lumps and for anything not easily felt. Your doctor decides.
Often one to three days. If the sample is inconclusive, the test may be repeated or a core biopsy advised.
Usually not for a superficial lump. A local anaesthetic may be used in some cases, but FNAC is generally quick enough not to need it.