Hi, I'm Dr. Smith, a board-certified pathologist. I've been practicing for over 20 years, and I specialize in diagnosing diseases using tissue samples. One of the procedures I often perform is a lymph node biopsy.

Let me explain how a lymph node biopsy is done.

Lymph Node Biopsy

A lymph node biopsy is a procedure to remove all or a portion of a lymph node to examine it under a microscope. This examination helps determine if there are any abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, in the lymph node.

Types of Lymph Node Biopsies

There are several ways to perform a lymph node biopsy. The method used depends on the size and location of the lymph node and the reason for the biopsy. Here are three common types:


1. Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: This is the simplest type of biopsy. It involves using a very thin needle to extract a small sample of cells from the lymph node. The needle is inserted through the skin and into the lymph node, and a syringe is used to withdraw cells. FNA biopsies are often done in the doctor’s office and don’t usually require any stitches.


2. Core Needle Biopsy: This type of biopsy uses a slightly larger needle to remove a small core of tissue from the lymph node. This provides more tissue for examination than an FNA biopsy. Like FNA, core needle biopsy can often be performed in a doctor’s office using local anesthetic.


3. Open (Excisional) Biopsy: This is the most invasive type of lymph node biopsy. It involves making an incision in the skin and surgically removing the entire lymph node or a larger portion of it. Open biopsies are usually performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. This method allows for the most comprehensive analysis of the lymph node but requires a longer recovery time.

Procedure

Let's discuss the general steps involved in a lymph node biopsy:


1. Preparation: Before the biopsy, the doctor will ask about your medical history, any medications you are taking, and any allergies you have. They will also explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Depending on the type of biopsy, you may be asked to fast for a certain period before the procedure.


2. Anesthesia: For an FNA or core needle biopsy, a local anesthetic will be injected into the skin around the lymph node to numb the area. For an open biopsy, general anesthesia will be administered, which means you'll be asleep during the procedure.


3. Biopsy:
* FNA biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the lymph node and cells are withdrawn using a syringe. The procedure may be repeated several times to obtain enough cells for analysis.
* Core needle biopsy: After numbing the area, the doctor will insert a special needle with a cutting core into the lymph node to remove a small cylinder of tissue.
* Open biopsy: An incision is made in the skin over the lymph node. The surgeon will then carefully remove the entire lymph node or a portion of it. The incision is then closed with sutures or staples.


4. After the Biopsy: After the biopsy, pressure will be applied to the area to stop any bleeding. You will be monitored for a short time to ensure there are no complications. You may experience some soreness, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Analysis

The lymph node tissue removed during the biopsy will be sent to a laboratory for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to look for any abnormal cells, such as cancer cells. The results of the biopsy will be sent to your doctor, who will discuss them with you and recommend any necessary treatment.

Risks

Lymph node biopsy is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. These include:

* Bleeding
* Infection
* Pain at the biopsy site
* Numbness or tingling near the biopsy site
* Lymphedema (swelling) in the arm or leg if lymph nodes are removed from these areas

**It's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about the risks of lymph node biopsy.**

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Fine-needle aspiration biopsy.Fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Your doctor inserts a thin needle into a lymph node and removes a sample of cells.Core needle biopsy. Your doctor inserts a needle with a special tip and removes a sample of tissue about the size of a grain of rice.Open (surgical) biopsy.read more >>