Lymph Node Biopsy: Purpose, Procedure, and Risks
Lymph node biopsy is a procedure that helps in determining the presence of disease in your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are little bean-shaped lumps widely placed all over the body. These are located near internal organs, for instance, the abdominal cavity, the digestive system, and the respiratory system, and are observed principally in the axillary region, the inguinal region, and the cervical region.
Lymph nodes are thus part of your immune system and their function is to assist your body in recognizing infections and to contain them. The lymph node can become enlarged due to the infection that exists in the other part of your body. Lymph node complications may present themselves as lumps that are beneath the skin and greatly enlarged.
During physical examination, your doctor may check for enlarged or swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes that are enlarged as a result of trivial infections or insect bites do not warrant medical intervention. However, depending on other underlying issues your doctor may assess or observe your enlarged lymph nodes.
If the lymph nodes stay enlarged or increase in size your doctor might recommend a lymph node biopsy. This test will assist your doctor in searching for symptoms of chronic infection, immune disease, and or cancer.
What Are the Different Types of Lymph Node Biopsy?
A lymph node biopsy can be done in a hospital, from your doctor’s office, and other related medical facilities. This is most often done on an outpatient basis, and that means that you do not have to spend the night in the facility.
During a lymph node biopsy, your doctor may remove the whole lymph node or may take a small portion of the swollen lymph node. After the doctor has excised the node or sample, they place the tissue in a lab where a pathologist will analyze the tissue through a lens of a microscope.
A lymph node biopsy can be done in the following three methods.
Needle Biopsy:
A needle biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of cells in your lymph node. This procedure normally takes approximately one-quarter to one-half an hour. When you are on an examination table your doctor will first clean the biopsy area and then use meds to get it to numb. Your doctor will guide a thin needle into your lymph node and then aspirate some cells from it. They shall draw blood then pull out the needle and finally put a bandage over the site.
Open Biopsy:
An open biopsy involves the excision of either a segment of your lymph node or the complete lymph node itself. This procedure can be conducted by your physician under local anesthesia, which entails the application of a numbing agent to the area of the biopsy. Alternatively, you may opt for general anesthesia, allowing you to remain unconscious throughout the procedure.
The entire process typically lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. During this time, your physician will:
– make a small incision
– excise the lymph node or a portion thereof
– close the incision with sutures
– apply a dressing to the site.
Post-procedure discomfort is usually mild, and your physician may recommend over-the-counter analgesics. The healing period for the incision is approximately 10 to 14 days, during which it is advisable to refrain from engaging in strenuous activities and exercise.
Sentinel Biopsy:
In the case of cancer, this technique is used to identify places of expected cancer spread in the body by a doctor. In this procedure, your doctor will make use of a tracer that is blue in color and inserted into your body near the cancer area. The dye goes to the sentinel nodes, which are the first several lymph nodes containing tumor drains.
Your doctor will then surgically remove this lymph node and it is taken for histology to determine whether it does contain cancer cells. The treatment plan will be prepared by your doctor following the lab outcome.
What Are the Risks Associated with a Lymph Node Biopsy?
Any surgical procedure carries inherent risks. The risks associated with the three types of lymph node biopsy are largely comparable. Key risks include:
– tenderness at the biopsy site
– infection
– bleeding
– numbness resulting from inadvertent nerve damage
Infection is uncommon and can generally be managed with antibiotics. Numbness may arise if the biopsy is performed in proximity to nerves, but this sensation usually resolves within a few months.
If a complete lymph node removal is performed, known as a lymphadenectomy, additional side effects may occur. One such effect is lymphedema, which can lead to swelling in the affected region. Further information can be provided by your physician.
How Do One Prepare for a Lymph Node Biopsy?
It is important to disclose any medication that you are currently taking before you make an appointment with your doctor to get the lymph node biopsy done. This comprises of over the counter drugs, different from aspirin, other thinners, and supplements. Also inform the doctor if you are pregnant or if you have allergies to certain medication, latex products or if you have a condition that causes abnormal bleeding.
You should not consume prescription and non-prescription blood thinners for at least five days before the procedure. Furthermore, no food and drink for some time before the intended biopsy or as directed by the doctor. Your doctor will tell you more about the particular preparation for the procedure.
Why the Test Is Performed?
The examination is employed to identify conditions such as cancer, sarcoidosis, or infections like tuberculosis. It is indicated in the following circumstances:
- when either you or your healthcare provider detect persistent swollen lymph nodes
- when abnormal lymph nodes are observed on imaging studies such as mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs
- for certain cancer patients, including those with breast cancer or melanoma, to assess the potential spread of the disease through procedures like sentinel lymph node biopsy or needle biopsy performed by a radiologist.
The findings from the biopsy assist your healthcare provider in determining the necessity for additional tests and treatment options.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Lymph Node Biopsy?
Tenderness and pain can persist for several days after a biopsy has been done. Make sure you do not expose the biopsy site to water by sweating or washing it as this may lead to infection. Depending on the nature of the procedure that you have undergone, your doctor may advise you not to shower or bathe for the next few days. It is essential to monitor the biopsy site and your overall health following the procedure. Contact your physician if you experience any indications of infection or complications, such as:
– fever
– chills
– swelling
– severe pain
– bleeding or discharge from the biopsy site.
Conclusion
A lymph node biopsy is a relatively straightforward procedure that assists your physician in identifying the underlying cause of your swollen lymph nodes. It is advisable to discuss any inquiries you may have regarding the biopsy process or its results with your doctor. Additionally, seek information about any further medical examinations that your physician might recommend.
Feeling confused, anxious, or even overwhelmed upon learning that you require a lymph node biopsy is entirely normal. It is understandable to desire a swift resolution in order to obtain the answers you seek as soon as possible.
While awaiting the procedure or the results, it is important to remember that although biopsies can reveal serious health conditions, they can also offer reassurance. For instance, the findings may indicate that cancer has not metastasized. They can also provide valuable information regarding the most effective cancer treatments to manage the disease. Despite the stress associated with the experience, the insights gained from a lymph node biopsy are crucial for your ongoing health and well-being.
