Lymph node biopsy

lymph node biopsy · fine needle aspiration of a lymph node · excisional lymph node biopsy · core needle biopsy

The doctor takes a piece of an enlarged lymph node, or removes the whole node, to look at it under a microscope. This is done with a needle and ultrasound, or through a small cut.

When a lymph node has been enlarged for a long time with no clear cause, for a possible blood disorder or tumor, or to clarify a diagnosis.

⏱ Duration: a needle biopsy usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, removing a node 30 to 60 minutes; results usually in 1 to 2 weeks

Be sure to tell your doctor

All your medicines, especially blood thinners. Your doctor will decide if anything needs to change
Allergies, including to painkillers and numbing medicines
Diabetes
If you are pregnant

How to prepare

Type of biopsy. Your doctor will tell you whether a needle or a cut will be used, and what kind of numbing or anesthesia.
Food. With local numbing, you can usually eat. With general anesthesia, follow the clinic's rules on food and drink.
Someone with you. If you have anesthesia or sedation, you need someone to take you home.

What to bring

Your referral, tests, and lymph node ultrasound
A list of your medicines
Someone to take you home, if you have anesthesia

How it goes

You lie in a position that gives easy access to the node
The skin is cleaned and numbed
For a needle biopsy, the needle goes into the node with ultrasound guidance
For an open biopsy, a small cut is made and the node is removed
The spot is stitched or closed with skin tape
A bandage is put on

What you'll feel

A prick and stinging from the numbing
Pressure during the procedure
Afterward, mild pain and swelling at the spot

Afterwards

You usually go home the same day
Keep the bandage dry for as long as your doctor says
Stitches are removed after 7 to 10 days, or they dissolve
Your doctor usually explains the results at a visit

Contact a doctor straight away if

Strong swelling, or blood soaking through the bandage
A fever over 38°C (100.4°F), or redness and pus at the cut
If the biopsy was on the neck and it becomes hard to breathe or swallow: call emergency services

Common questions

Is an enlarged lymph node dangerous?

Most often lymph nodes swell because of an infection. A biopsy is needed to find the exact cause.

Why remove the whole node?

Sometimes the whole node is needed for an accurate diagnosis, not just a piece. Your body works fine without one node.