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Lymph Node Biopsy(Biopsy Lymph Nodes)DefinitionLymph nodes are found throughout the body. They are part of the body’s immune system. These nodes help fight infection by producing special white blood cells. They also work by trapping bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Normally, lymph nodes cannot be felt unless they are swollen. Infection, usually by a virus, is the most common cause of lymph node swelling. Other causes include inflammatory diseases, abscesses and cancer. With this type of biopsy, the doctor removes and examines all or part of a lymph node. Reasons for ProcedureThis biopsy is done to find out why a node is swollen. It can also be done to see if there are cancer cells in the lymph node. Common areas for biopsy include:
Possible ComplicationsComplications are rare but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a lymph node biopsy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureLeading up to your procedure, you will need to:
Anesthesia
Description of the ProcedureLymph nodes samples can be obtained by:
Needle BiopsyThere are two types of needle biopsies:
The doctor may use an ultrasound or CT scan to help locate the biopsy site. Lymph Node Biopsy  © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Open BiopsyAn open biopsy means removing the lymph nodes through an incision. The doctor will cut into the skin and remove either all or part of a lymph node. After removal, the incision will be closed with stitches and bandaged. Immediately After ProcedureThe sample will be sent to the lab for examination. How Long Will It Take?About 30-60 minutes (longer if an ultrasound or CT scan is used) How Much Will It Hurt?You will have some pain and tenderness after the biopsy is taken. Your doctor may give you pain medicine. Post-procedure CareWhen you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Results will be ready in about a week. Your doctor will tell you if further treatment is needed. RESOURCES: American Cancer Society National Cancer Institute CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Care Ontario References: Lymph node biopsy. US National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003933.htm. Updated August 2008. Accessed September 21, 2009. Sentinel lymph node biopsy: questions and answers. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/therapy/sentinel-node-biopsy. Updated April 2005. Accessed September 21, 2009. Swollen glands. US National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003097.htm. Updated April 2009. Accessed September 21, 2009. Testing biopsy and cytology specimens for cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ped/content/ped_2_3x_testing_biopsy_and_cytology_specimens_for_cancer.asp?sitearea=ped. Updated December 2007. Accessed September 21, 2009. Zaret BL, Jatlow PI, Katz LD. The Yale University School of Medicine Patient’s Guide to Medical Tests. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company; 1997. Last reviewed October 2009 by Mohei Abouzied, MD and Brian P. Randall, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2009 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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