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Lymph node biopsy

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Biopsy - lymph nodes

Open lymph node biopsy

Fine needle aspiration biopsy

Sentinel lymph node biopsy

A lymph node biopsy is the removal of lymph node tissue for examination under a microscope. The lymph nodes are small glands that make white blood cells (lymphocytes), which fight infection. Lymph nodes may trap the germs that are causing an infection. Cancer can spread to lymph nodes.

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The Basics

Tests for Fine needle aspiration biopsy

A Closer Look

Needle biopsy of the breast

A needle biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. Simple aspirations are performed with a small gauge needle to attempt to draw fluid from lumps that are thought to be cysts. Fine needle biopsy uses a larger needle to make multiple passes through a lump, drawing out tissue and fluid. Withdrawn fluid and tissue is further evaluated to determine if there are cancerous cells present.

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Fat tissue biopsy

Needle aspiration is the most common method of obtaining an abdominal wall fat pad biopsy.

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Thyroid gland biopsy

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck. It is a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, and plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism. If a sample of cells is needed from the thyroid gland a fine needle biopsy can be performed. During this procedure, a skinny needle is inserted into the thyroid gland, and a sample of thyroid cells and fluid is drawn into the needle. The needle is then withdrawn and the cells are sent for examination. This test is usually performed to determine if a thyroid nodule could be malignant (cancer).

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Aspiration

The term aspiration can refer to the process of inhaling purposely. Aspiration also refers to withdrawing using suction, such as in a needle aspiration that would be done to remove tissues for sampling.

Illustration

Breast lump removal - series

Presentation

<strong>Indications</strong><p>Most breast lumps are not diagnosed by a healthcare provider, but are detected by women who give themselves breast self-examinations. Any breast lump that persists beyond a few days should be reported to a healthcare provider. Almost two-thirds of all breast lumps are benign, but the chance of a malignant lump is greatly increased if the woman is past menopause. Ultrasound and mammogram may be used to see if a lump is a cyst filled with fluid or a solid mass of tissue. If the lump is a cyst, it can be left alone or aspirated if it causes symptoms. If a cyst appears suspicious on imaging, needle aspiration or needle biopsy can be performed. If the lump is a solid mass, the next step is usually a needle biopsy performed by a radiologist or breast specialist. The tissue is checked by a pathologist to see if it is cancer or not.</p>

<strong>Procedure</strong><p>Sometimes a mass needs to be removed to see if cancer is present. This is called an excisional biopsy. While the patient is awake and pain-free (using local anesthesia) or asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made over the lump. The length and position of the incision will depend on the size and location of the lump that needs to be removed. After the lump is removed in one piece, it is sent to the pathologist for a microscopic exam. The final report usually is done several days later.</p>

<strong>Aftercare</strong><p>The outcome of the excisional biopsy depends on the type of lump found. If the lump is benign, no further treatment is required. If the lump is malignant, the treatment can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. The choice of treatment will be discussed with you by specialists in each area.</p>

Breast lump removal - series

Presentation

<strong>Indications</strong><p>Early detection of a breast lump is very important to a patient's prognosis (probable outcome). Most breast lumps are not diagnosed at the doctor's office, they are detected by women who give themselves breast self-examinations at home. Any breast lump that persists beyond a few days must be reported to a physician. In some cases, a needle aspiration of a breast lump may be performed. If the tissue obtained is clearly not cancerous (if blood wasn't seen on the aspirator, or if the lump disappears after aspiration and does not recur), the physician will often simply observe the patient. Otherwise, a breast lump is usually removed surgically to determine if cancer is present.</p>

<strong>Procedure</strong><p>A breast lump may either be a cyst filled with fluid or a solid mass of tissue. A sample of the breast tissue (biopsy) must be made to determine whether malignant (cancerous) cells are present. Almost two-thirds of all breast lumps are benign but the chance of a malignant lump is greatly increased if the woman is past menopause. While the patient is awake and pain-free (using local anesthesia) or asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made over the lump. The incision for a lumpectomy is usually around 3 to 4 centimeters long. The incision will also depend on the size of the lump that needs to be removed. After the lump is removed in one piece, it is sent to the laboratory for immediate examination. If the lump is found to be cancerous nearby lymph nodes will be removed to check for the extent of the cancer spreading.</p>

<strong>Aftercare</strong><p>The outcome of the lumpectomy depends on the type of lump found. If the lump is benign (whether it is needle aspirated or excised), no further treatment is required. If the lump is malignant, the outcome depends on the degree to which the tumor has spread. Radiation therapy may be used in addition to surgery. In certain cases of malignant lumps, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is as effective as a radical mastectomy. Typically, lumpectomy does not require a breast replacement (prosthesis).</p>

Review Date: 5/29/2024+

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