Lymph Node Biopsy

The lymphatic system is an extensive system of vessels that, ultimately, "communicates" with the veins. The lymphatic system carries white blood cells which are responsible for fighting disease. The lymph nodes are small soft swellings most common to the neck, groin, and axilla (armpit). The lymph nodes aid in "filtering" infection in the body. Many times, the analysis of a lymph node by biopsy can reveal a disease process (cancer).

Patients with persistent lymph node swelling (swollen glands), not related to a scratch, or infected wound, require more intensive evaluation as to the cause of the persistent swelling. The lymph node biopsy is performed by a general surgeon.

In some cases, the procedure may require a needle biopsy, where the needle is inserted into the node, taking a sample of tissue. An alternate technique is the open biopsy, where a small, 1-2 inch, incision is made, and the entire lymph node is removed. The wound is then sutured closed. Both of these procedures take little time and are performed under local anesthesia.

***** REMEMBER *****

1. The lymph node biopsy is a very safe procedure. Bleeding at the site is the most common (though rare) complication. Bleeding will vary and will be based on the site where the biopsy has been performed.

2. Some node biopsies may require general anesthesia. The risk of general anesthesia must also be considered (death in less than 1 in 3,000 cases).

3. There is a small risk of infection at the biopsy site (rare).

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology