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Lymph node biopsy (lymph node testing)

Book an appointment today to have a lymph node biopsy. Lymph nodes often require a biopsy to determine if they are harbouring an infection.

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A lymph node biopsy is a procedure to take a sample of cells or tissue from a lymph node and send it to the laboratory to be tested.

Lymph nodes are part of your immune system and help your body to recognise and fight infection. They are found all over the body, but if they become swollen, you may feel a lump under the skin in your armpits, groin, or neck. Swollen lymph nodes are usually a sign of an infection such as tonsillitis or a cold, and normally get better on their own within a couple of weeks. Occasionally, swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of something more serious such as a chronic infection, autoimmune disease, or cancer.

Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss a private lymph node biopsy with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.

This page explains what lymph node biopsy is, what happens during the procedure, and what to expect during your recovery.

The cost of this procedure depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

Your consultant may recommend a lymph node biopsy if you have swollen lymph nodes that appear abnormal on an ultrasound scan, or if you have cancer to check if it has spread.

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant ENT, head and neck, or general surgeon.

Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, and medical history. They will perform a physical examination. They may check the results of any tests, such as an ultrasound you have had previously, or arrange them on the day.

Why is this first consultation so important?

At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is important as it’s where your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and review your test results.

Your first consultation is also where we get to know you, explain what happens during lymph node biopsy, and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible before, during, and after your procedure, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment.

At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide if lymph node biopsy is a suitable procedure for you based on your physical examination and ultrasound results.

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your lymph node biopsy. Instructions on what to do on the day will be in your appointment letter.

If there's anything you're not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your procedure, speak to your consultant or call the hospital for advice. Being well-prepared will help ease any anxiety you may have and allow your procedure to go more smoothly.

Before your surgery, tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have and any medication, including over-the-counter medicines you are taking.

Your consultant may tell you to stop taking some medications like blood thinners before your biopsy. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.

Check with your healthcare team when you can last eat and drink before your lymph node biopsy.

There are several different types of lymph node biopsy.

Fine needle biopsy

Fine needle biopsy is performed under local anaesthetic which means you'll be awake for the procedure but won't feel any pain.

During fine needle biopsy, your consultant will apply a cold lubricating gel to the skin over your lymph nodes and locate your lymph nodes by moving an ultrasound probe over the skin. Once your lymph nodes are located, your consulted will use a fine needle to extract some fluid and cells from your lymph nodes. Fine needle biopsy normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Core needle biopsy

If the results of your fine needle biopsy are inconclusive, you may need to have a core needle biopsy. This is similar to a fine needle biopsy but uses a larger needle to remove more tissue and provides more information than you can get from fluid and cells.

Core needle biopsy is performed under local anaesthetic and normally takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Open lymph node biopsy

During an open lymph node biopsy, your consultant makes a small incision (cut) in your skin to extract either a part of or your entire lymph node. The incision is closed with a suture once the procedure is complete. Open lymph node biopsy is normally performed under local anaesthetic but may occasionally be done under general anaesthetic.

Open lymph node biopsy normally takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, your consultant may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to check whether your cancer has spread. The sentinel nodes are the first lymph nodes into which a tumour drains and sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to give your consultant a good idea of how advanced your cancer is.

Before your sentinel lymph node biopsy, a blue dye called a tracer is injected around the cancer site. The dye travels to the sentinel nodes allowing your consultant to locate and remove them. The sentinel nodes are then sent to the laboratory to be checked for cancer cells.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is most commonly performed for breast and skin cancer. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and normally takes around 45 minutes.

Recovery from any type of surgery is different for everyone and depends on factors such as the type of surgery you had, your age, and general health.

Your consultant will be able to give you an estimated recovery timeline based on your individual circumstances.

How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?

Lymph node biopsy is normally an outpatient procedure, meaning you'll be able to go home later the same day. If your procedure was prolonged or complicated, or if you have other health issues, you may need to spend one night in hospital.

Will I be able to drive home?

You will not be able to drive yourself home from hospital after your lymph node biopsy. Please make arrangements for someone to collect you, or we can organise a taxi if you prefer.

How soon can I go back to work?

You can go back to work as soon as you feel well enough after your lymph node biopsy. This will depend on the type of procedure you had, your individual recovery, and the type of job you do. Most people return to work between two days and two weeks after lymph node biopsy.

How soon can I drive?

If you had a general anaesthetic, you must not drive for at least the first 24 hours after your lymph node biopsy. After a fine or core needle biopsy, you can drive when you can safely control your vehicle and perform an emergency stop. After an open or sentinel biopsy, you may not be able to drive for two to three weeks. Ask your consultant about when you can drive after your lymph node biopsy.

When will I be back to normal?

Recovery from lymph node biopsy is normally quick but depends on the type of procedure you had and other factors such as your age and general health.

Most people are fully recovered and able to resume most normal activities within two weeks.

You can expect some soreness and bruising after your lymph node biopsy. The soreness should subside in around a week and the bruising in around two weeks.

After an open biopsy, the area around the biopsy site may be swollen and feel firm to the touch. This may last for up to eight weeks.

After your lymph node biopsy:

  • Take over-the-counter painkillers if needed. Your consultant or pharmacist can recommend one.
  • Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day to help reduce swelling
  • Keep your incision site clean and dry. Your healthcare team will give you instructions on how to care for your incision.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or activities that stretch or pull the muscles around the area for four to six weeks after your procedure.

Lymph node biopsy is a very safe procedure, but as with all types of surgery, there is a small risk of complications.

Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your lymph node biopsy and answer any questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision.

Possible complications of any surgery include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic

Possible complications specific to lymph node biopsy include:

  • Tenderness, pain, and swelling around the biopsy site
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Allergic reaction to the blue dye after sentinel biopsy (this is rare)
  • Nerve damage
  • Lymphoedema - swelling caused by a build-up of fluid due to poor lymphatic drainage

Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms after your lymph node biopsy:

  • Pain lasting more than a week.
  • Severe redness, swelling, bleeding, or strong-smelling discharge or pus from the biopsy site
  • Fever (a temperature above 38C)
  • A build-up of fluid around the biopsy site. This can happen straight after surgery or may occur months or even years later.
  • Numbness around the biopsy site due to nerve damage

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

  • Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
  • The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
  • Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
  • Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
  • Private ensuite rooms as standard
  • A range of delicious healthy meals
  • Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
  • Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about private lymph node biopsy, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in July 2024. Next review due July 2027.

Testing your lymph nodes Cancer Research UK

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy National Cancer Institute 

Neck lymph node biopsy  Macmillan Cancer Support 

Lymph Node Biopsy Johns Hopkins Medicine  

Lymph node biopsy Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust 

 

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