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Lymph Node Biopsy

(Biopsy Lymph Nodes)

by Patricia Griffin Kellicker, BSN

Definition

Lymph 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 bacterial infection and cancer.

With this type of biopsy, the doctor removes and examines all or part of a lymph node.

Reasons for Procedure

This 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:

  • Groin
  • Armpit
  • Neck
  • Under the jaw and chin
  • Behind the ears

Possible Complications    TOP

Complications 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:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Swelling
  • Nerve damage, including numbness at the biopsy site

What to Expect    TOP

Prior to Procedure

Leading up to your procedure, you will need to:

  • Talk to your doctor about your medical history, including:
    • Any allergies that you have
    • Any medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbs and supplements. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
      • Anti-inflammatory drugs
      • Blood thinners
  • Arrange for a ride home from the care center.
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight if you will have general anesthesia.

Anesthesia

  • Local anesthesia—just the area that is being operated on is numbed; given as an injection and may also be given with a sedative
  • General anesthesia is used for open biopsies—blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery; given through an IV in your hand or arm

Description of the Procedure

Lymph nodes samples can be obtained by:

  • Needle biopsy
  • Open biopsy

Needle Biopsy

There are two types of needle biopsies:

  • Fine needle biopsy —The doctor will use a thin, hollow needle to obtain tissue samples.
  • Core needle biopsy—The doctor will use a larger needle to cut out a piece of tissue.

The doctor may use an ultrasound or CT scan to help locate the biopsy site.

Lymph Node Biopsy

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Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Open Biopsy

An 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 Procedure

The 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 Care

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Keep the biopsy site clean and dry.
  • Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Results will be ready in about a week. Your doctor will tell you if further treatment is needed.

Call Your Doctor    TOP

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
  • New or worsening symptoms

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca
Cancer Care Ontario
http://www.cancercare.on.ca

References:

Sentinel lymph node biopsy: questions and answers. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.... . Updated August 11, 2011. Accessed April 29, 2013.
Testing biopsy and cytology specimens for cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.... . Updated March 7, 2013. Accessed April 29, 2013.
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 April 2013 by Igor Puzanov, MD; Michael Woods, MD
Last Updated: 4/29/2013