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Lymph Node Biopsy Procedure



 Submitted by Nic on August 18, 2011
A biopsy procedure is one where a sample of tissue is collected from the body for medical analysis. While there are many methods to test if the body is infected or suffering from a disease, the biopsy technique continues to be used as it is thoroughly reliable. A biopsy is considered one of the most accurate methods of diagnosing cancer.

Lymph nodes play an important role in the functioning of the human immune system. These nodes are present in various parts of the torso and also the head. Normally, lymph nodes go unnoticed and are not detectable by the individual. However, when there is some infection, disease or medical condition, it is possible for the lymph nodes to be inflamed. Inflamed lymph nodes are sore to the touch and may appear from under the skin surface. A lymph node inflammation could indicate that the patient is suffering from one of a number of medical conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a lymph node biopsy procedure over the affected area to understand the underlying condition.

There are different types of the procedure like sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure, supraclavicular lymph node biopsy procedure and so on. The sample tissue collected is subjected to medical evaluation in a laboratory where the nature of the cells is examined. Such a sample may also be used in a culture laboratory where the type of bacteria present in the sample is analyzed. A lymph node biopsy procedure usually takes just a few minutes. While the process is slightly painful, it does not require the individual to be sedated. There are some differences between the various types of lymph node biopsy procedures. This is because of the location of different nodes in the body. Some nodes are less accessible than others, thus requiring a special technique to help collect samples.

An axillary lymph node biopsy procedure is conducted either by slicing the node off or by using a needle to access the node. The neck lymph node biopsy procedure will be conducted only using a needle with the area being under local anesthesia. The term cervical lymph node biopsy procedure applies to the neck as well as this is to do with the lymph nodes in the cervical region of the neck and back. A patient undergoing a lymph node biopsy procedure will be able to return home the same day and wait for the results of the test.
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