Lymph Node Biopsy in Springfield, OH

At Springfield General Surgery we provide lymph node biopsy procedures to help diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. If you’re experiencing persistently swollen lymph nodes or have been referred for further evaluation, a lymph node biopsy may be recommended to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

During a lymph node biopsy, a small sample of tissue is extracted from the swollen lymph node for examination under a microscope. This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed using a needle biopsy technique, which allows for quick and accurate sampling of the affected lymph node. Our general surgeons in Springfield will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure and provide any necessary pain relief to minimize discomfort.

If you’re unsure whether a lymph node biopsy is right for you or have questions about the procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our specialists. We will carefully evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic tests to determine the most appropriate course of action for your individual needs. For more information call (937) 717-4884.

Types of Lymph Node Biopsy

There are actually several ways in which your specialist can examine a patient’s lymph nodes via a biopsy. These variations include:

Needle biopsy

During a needle biopsy, a small portion of the swollen lymph node is removed with a thin needle. This procedure is very quick, taking only 10-15 minutes in total. It is also fairly painless, but you may be given a small amount of numbing cream to ease any possible discomfort.

Sentinel biopsy

Sentinel biopsies are especially helpful for patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer. This type of biopsy can help determine how far the cancer has spread by utilizing a dye (called a tracer) that penetrates the sentinel nodes, which are the first to be affected by a cancerous tumor. Once identified, this particular kind of lymph node is removed and sent to a lab for further testing.

Open biopsy

This kind of biopsy is a bit more invasive, as the attending physician will need to make a small cut in order to remove some or all of the lymph node. After the node is retrieved, the site will be stitched closed. This whole process takes about half an hour, and often requires a numbing agent or anesthesia in order to keep the patient comfortable.

Risks and Recovery

Lymph node biopsies are simple procedures, and so they are rarely associated with any serious risks or side effects. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms after your biopsy you should contact your doctor right away:

• Intense pain
• Swelling
• Fever
• Chills
• Bleeding or other discharge from the biopsy site

Recovery from a lymph node biopsy is also quite minimal, especially if it was a non-invasive type such as a needle biopsy. An open biopsy will require a couple weeks for the incision site to heal completely, and patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity during this period of time.

Depending upon the results of each individual biopsy, there may or may not be a need for further treatment or testing. This will of course be determined by the test’s findings and your specialist’s professional opinion of the best method of treatment moving forward.