Alternate Names: Biopsy - lymph nodes

How Performed:

The test is done in the hospital. There are 2 ways the sample may be obtained: a needle biopsy or an open biopsy. A needle biopsy involves inserting a needle into a node to obtain the sample. You will be asked to lie on the examination table. The biopsy site will be cleansed, and a local anesthetic will be injected. The biopsy needle is then inserted into the node. A sample is removed, pressure is applied to the site to stop the bleeding, and a bandage is applied.

An open biopsy consists of surgically removing a part or all of a node. You will be asked to lie on the examination table. The skin over the biopsy site is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is injected (occasionally, a general anesthetic is given). A small incision is made and the entire lymph node or a part of the lymph node is removed. The incision is then closed with stitches and bandaged. The biopsy is then sent to the laboratory for examination.

How To Prepare: Adults:
Tell your health care provider about any drug allergies, which medications you are taking, if you have bleeding problems, and if you are pregnant. You must sign a consent form.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How It Feels: When the local anesthetic is injected, there will be a prick and a mild stinging. The biopsy site will be tender for a few days after the test.

Risks: There is a small chance of infection or bleeding. Additionally, there is a moderate risk of nerve injury and local paralysis or numbness when the biopsy is on a lymph node close to nerves.

Why Performed: The test is used to help determine the cause of lymph node enlargement (swollen glands). It can also determine whether tumors in the lymph node are cancerous or noncancerous.

Normal Values: Lymph nodes that are small, soft, and flat are normal with normal cellular structure and conformation.

Abnormal Results:

The examination of the tissue may show cancerous or noncancerous tumors, or if there is an infection.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• sarcoidosis

Cost:

Special Considerations: Not applicable.