Lymph Node Procedures

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a crucial role in the body's immune system by filtering harmful substances and fighting infections. When lymph nodes become swollen or painful, however, it could mean that your immune system is responding to an infection, inflammation, or, in some cases, a more serious underlying condition. In these instances, a lymph node procedure may be necessary to help assess and diagnose.

Types of Lymph Node Procedures

Several types of lymph node procedures can be performed, depending on the case and severity of the concern. These include:

• Lymph Node Biopsy: A small sample or entire lymph node is removed and examined under a microscope to diagnose infections, inflammatory diseases, or cancer.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Used primarily in cancer staging (such as breast cancer and melanoma), this procedure identifies and removes the first lymph node(s) that cancer is likely to spread to.
• Lymph Node Dissection (Lymphadenectomy): This is a more extensive procedure where multiple lymph nodes are surgically removed when cancer has spread to nearby nodes.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: A minimally invasive procedure where a thin needle extracts fluid or cells from a lymph node for diagnostic testing.
• Core Needle Biopsy: Like FNA, it uses a larger needle to remove a small tissue core for more detailed analysis.

Benefits of Having a Lymph Node Surgery

Lymph node procedures provide crucial diagnostic and treatment benefits for anyone experiencing lymph node abnormalities, helping to detect, monitor, and manage various conditions. These procedures can offer peace of mind, guide treatment decisions, and improve overall health outcomes. They also provide:

• An Accurate Diagnosis: Helps identify infections, inflammatory conditions, and cancer.
• Early Detection of Cancer Spread: Determines if and how far cancer has spread, aiding in treatment planning.
• Targeted Treatment Planning: Provides critical information to guide the most effective treatments.
• Minimally Invasive Options: Many procedures, like fine needle aspiration, are quick and low-risk.
• Potential for Curative Treatment: Removing affected lymph nodes can help manage or eliminate certain diseases.

Are You a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for a lymph node procedure if you have concerns about swollen, painful, or abnormal lymph nodes. These procedures are typically recommended to diagnose or monitor a potential infection, inflammatory disease, or cancer or for patients who generally have:

• Unexplained or persistent lymph node swelling
• Lymph nodes that are enlarged, hard, or fixed in place
• Suspicion of infection, autoimmune disease, or cancer
• A diagnosed cancer requiring lymph node evaluation for staging
• Abnormal findings on imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan)
• Lymph node-related pain or discomfort without a clear cause
• A previous inconclusive biopsy requiring further testing

If preliminary imaging tests reveal abnormalities, if swelling persists without a clear cause, or if cancer staging is necessary, your doctor may suggest a lymph node biopsy or removal. 

What to Expect

Before the Procedure

Before a lymph node surgery, your doctor will review your medical history, perform any necessary imaging tests, and provide preparation instructions. Depending on the type of procedure, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours beforehand, stop certain medications, or arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation is required. 

During the Procedure

The specifics of your lymph node surgery will depend on the type being performed. For minimally invasive procedures like fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and a small needle is inserted to collect a tissue sample. 

If a surgical biopsy or lymph node removal is required, you may receive general anesthesia and a small incision will be made to remove the lymph node. In general, most procedures are completed within an hour and are performed on an outpatient basis.

After the Procedure

Following the procedure, you may experience mild soreness, swelling, or bruising at the site, which typically resolves within a few days. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions, including instructions on how to care for the incision (if applicable) and any activity restrictions. 

Results from a biopsy are usually available within a few days to a week, and your doctor will discuss the findings and next steps. If lymph nodes are removed, additional follow-up care may be needed based on the diagnosis.