Lymph Node
Biopsy
View other tests
What is the
test?
Lymph nodes are small balls of tissue that are
part of the body's immune system. The nodes produce
and harbor infection-fighting white blood cells
(lymphocytes) that attack both infectious agents
and cancer cells. Cancer, infection, and some
other diseases can change the appearance of lymph
nodes. For that reason, your doctor may ask a
surgeon to remove lymph nodes, to be examined
microscopically for evidence of these problems.
Usually, one or more entire lymph nodes are
removed and examined under the microscope by
a pathologist. On occasion, the doctor does a
needle biopsy to remove a portion of a lymph
node to see whether a cancer already diagnosed
has spread to that point.
Back to top >
How
do I prepare for the test?
Tell your doctor if you're allergic to any medications,
if you're taking NSAIDs or any medications that
might cause bleeding, if you have a condition
that bleeds easily such as an ulcer in your stomach
or small intestine, or if you're pregnant.
Back to top >
What
happens when the test is performed?
This depends on the location of the lymph nodes
to be biopsied. Fortunately many lymph nodes,
such as those in your neck, armpits, and groin,
are found close to the surface of the skin. These
can all be reached through an incision in the
skin.
Some lymph nodes are located deeper in your
body, such as in the middle of your chest. To
reach them, your doctor may insert a tube-like
viewing instrument (a scope) through a slit in
the skin into the target area to see the lymph
nodes, and then remove them with tiny surgical
scissors located at the end of the scope. Sometimes
removing lymph nodes for microscopic examination
requires surgery.
When lymph nodes beneath the skin are biopsied,
you lie on an examining table. The doctor cleans
the skin at the biopsy site and injects a local
anesthetic. Next, the doctor makes a small incision
in the skin and the tissue just beneath it until
he or she can see the lymph node and cut it out.
Following such a biopsy, it's normal to bleed
slightly. After applying pressure to the incision
site to stop the bleeding, the doctor will cover
the area with a bandage. You'll usually be able
to go home within several hours.When a biopsy
involves inserting a scope, or surgery, general
anesthesia may be required.
Back to top >
What
risks are there from the test?
The biopsy site will feel tender for a few days.
There's a slight risk of infection or bleeding.
Depending on the location of the lymph node being
removed, there is a slight risk of blood vessel
or nerve damage.
Back to top >
Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
It's normal for the biopsy site to feel sore
afterward, but tell your doctor if it becomes
red or hot, or if you develop a fever. These
symptoms could be signs of infection.
Back to top >
How
long is it before the result of the test is
known?
Results will probably be ready in several days.
Back to top >
View
other tests |
HOME
MY
CART
