Lymph Node Biopsy
Also known as: lymph node excision, fine needle aspiration (FNA), or core needle biopsy
A lymph node biopsy helps diagnose conditions like cancer or infections by examining the lymph node tissue.
What is a lymph node biopsy?
A lymph node biopsy is a medical procedure used to diagnose diseases by examining lymph node tissue. When conditions like cancer or infections are suspected, a biopsy is often performed. In this procedure, a surgeon or radiologist removes part or all of a lymph node for detailed examination.
The removed tissue is then sent to a pathologist, who meticulously analyses it in a laboratory setting. This analysis can identify diseases such as cancer or infections, providing crucial information for diagnosis and treatment planning. Essentially, a lymph node biopsy offers insight into what might be occurring inside your body.
Symptoms prompting a lymph node biopsy
When your lymph nodes swell, it’s often a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. Tenderness, pain, and sometimes fever or a sore throat can accompany this swelling. However, not all swollen lymph nodes are benign. If they become hard, immobile, or grow rapidly, it could be an alarming indicator of cancers associated with lymph nodes.
Persistent swelling lasting more than a few weeks or a significant increase in size warrants medical attention. Swollen lymph nodes can also result from autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These symptoms necessitate further investigation through a biopsy to diagnose the underlying cause.
A lymph node biopsy helps diagnose the condition, assess its severity, and plan appropriate treatments. Examining the lymph node tissue helps doctors identify whether the tissue swelling is caused by an infection, an autoimmune condition, or something more serious like cancer. Early diagnosis through a biopsy can be critical for effective management and treatment.
Hospital fee guide price: £2,250*
More about pricingBefore the procedure
Initial consultation
During an initial consultation before a lymph node biopsy, the doctor will review your medical history, ask about any symptoms you’re experiencing—such as swelling, pain, fever, or weight loss—and perform a physical examination, focusing especially on the area where the lymph nodes are enlarged. They may review any imaging tests you’ve already had, like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs, and discuss why the biopsy is needed, such as to check for infection, inflammation, or possible cancer. The doctor will explain the different biopsy methods, what to expect during the procedure, potential risks, and how to prepare. This is also your chance to ask questions and share any concerns you might have.
Preparing for a lymph node biopsy
Preparation for a lymph node biopsy is a crucial step that ensures the procedure’s success and minimises potential complications. Before the biopsy, imaging studies like ultrasounds or CT scans are often used to accurately locate the lymph nodes. This precision helps in planning the procedure and ensuring that the right lymph nodes are targeted.
Patients receive specific preparation instructions from their healthcare team, which may include fasting before the procedure. The type of anaesthesia used depends on the lymph nodes and the biopsy’s complexity. Local anaesthesia is often enough for lymph nodes close to the skin, while deeper nodes may require general anaesthesia.
Following these preparation steps is vital for a smooth and effective biopsy and minimises potential risks.
During the procedure
Lymph node biopsies can be performed using different techniques, depending on the location and characteristics of the lymph nodes, such as axillary, cervical, or inguinal nodes. The main methods are needle biopsies and open biopsies. Needle biopsies use a thin needle to extract tissue and are typically used for accessible lymph nodes, while open biopsies involve a small incision to remove deeper or less accessible nodes.
In some cases, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy, a tracer is injected to identify the first lymph nodes likely affected by cancer. The procedure, usually lasting 30 to 45 minutes, is performed under local or general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Once the lymph node tissue is collected, it is sent to a laboratory where a pathologist analyses it for signs of cancer, infection, or other diseases. This examination provides essential information for diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly in understanding how diseases like cancer may have spread through the lymphatic system.
After the procedure
Post-procedure expectations
After a lymph node biopsy, patients can expect some mild swelling or discomfort at the biopsy site. Over-the-counter pain relief medications are usually sufficient to manage this discomfort. It’s common to experience soreness or tenderness for several days.
Most patients can resume their daily activities within a day after the biopsy. However, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities for at least a few days to allow the biopsy site to heal properly. A small bandage is usually placed over the incision and can typically be removed after 24 hours.
Follow-up appointments are an essential part of the post-procedure care. During these visits, doctors review the biopsy results and plan any necessary further treatment. Proper care and adherence to the doctor’s instructions can ensure a smooth recovery and optimal outcomes.
Risks and complications
While a lymph node biopsy is generally a safe procedure, it does come with some risks. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, and fluid accumulation in the lymph vessels, known as lymphedema. An infection risk is always present with any procedure that breaks the skin’s barrier.
Another potential risk is bleeding at the biopsy site. Although rare, allergic reactions to the dye used during the biopsy can also occur. Despite these risks, lymph node biopsies are considered low-risk and are performed routinely with a high success rate.
It’s crucial to discuss these potential risks with your doctor beforehand. Knowing both the benefits and risks helps in making an informed decision and ensures you’re well-prepared for the procedure.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial Consultation
You’ll start by visiting your primary care doctor or specialist to discuss symptoms like swelling, pain or unexplained weight loss. Based on your clinical presentation and any prior imaging, you may be referred to a surgeon, oncologist or ENT specialist for further evaluation.
Evaluation and Biopsy Planning
During the specialist appointment, your medical history will be reviewed, a physical exam done and any relevant imaging (like ultrasound, CT or MRI scans) discussed. The doctor will decide if a needle biopsy or open surgical biopsy is needed based on the location and accessibility of the lymph node. You’ll also learn about the goals of the biopsy and what the results may help diagnose.
Pre-Procedure Assessment
If an open or image-guided biopsy is planned, a pre-procedure assessment may be required. This could include blood tests, medication review and anaesthesia clearance, especially if general anaesthesia is needed. You’ll be given instructions on eating, drinking and medication adjustments before the procedure.
Procedure Day
On the day of the biopsy, you’ll arrive at the hospital for check-in and preparation. Needle biopsies are usually done under local anaesthetic, open biopsies may require local or general anaesthetic. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If a sentinel lymph node biopsy is planned, a tracer will be injected beforehand to identify the key nodes for removal.
Aftercare and Discharge
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a short time during recovery. Most patients go home the same day with aftercare instructions that may include wound care, activity restrictions and signs of possible complications. Pain is usually mild and manageable. You’ll also be told when to expect biopsy results and how they will guide further treatment or investigation.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
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Pricing
Hospital fee guide price: £2,250
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation.
Additional consultant fee not included.
FAQs
Biopsy results typically take 1 to 2 weeks to be processed and communicated to the patient.
The biopsy procedure is not painful as a local anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort; however, some pressure may still be felt during the process.
If you experience excessive bleeding or signs of infection, contact your doctor straight away for advice and treatment. Early treatment can prevent complications.
You can go back to normal activities in a day or two, but it’s best to avoid strenuous activities for a few days after the biopsy.
To ensure the biopsy site heals well, follow the instructions given by your healthcare team, including keeping a bandage on for 24 hours and avoiding strenuous activities. Follow these guidelines closely for a smoother recovery.
A lymph node biopsy is a low-risk and routine procedure, but the seriousness depends on the reason for the biopsy and the method used.
Medically reviewed by Mr Shashank Gurjar - Consultant Colorectal & General Surgeon on 19/05/2025