Lymph node biopsy & excision
Lymph node biopsy and excision are important surgical procedures used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes may become enlarged due to infections, inflammatory diseases, or cancers such as lymphoma or metastasis. A biopsy involves removing a small sample or the entire lymph node for detailed examination under a microscope, helping doctors determine the exact cause and plan appropriate treatment.
Lymph Node Biopsy
A lymph node biopsy is performed to obtain tissue for diagnosis when the cause of lymph node enlargement is unclear.
- Can be done as fine needle aspiration (FNA), core needle biopsy, or excisional biopsy
- Helps diagnose infections, tuberculosis, lymphoma, or metastatic cancer
- Usually a minimally invasive procedure with local anesthesia
- Provides accurate diagnosis to guide further treatment decisions
Lymph Node Excision
Lymph node excision involves complete removal of a lymph node, often done when a larger sample is needed or for therapeutic purposes.
- Performed under local or general anesthesia depending on location
- Allows detailed histopathological examination
- May be both diagnostic and therapeutic in certain conditions
- Generally safe procedure with low risk and quick recovery
