Lymph nodes are the organs of the immune system that are responsible for protecting our body from attacks of infectious agents. This is where the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms takes place. When they enter the body, they enter the lymph nodes along with the lymph flow. It is worth noting that these organs also fight cancer cells. In the human body, there are about 600 lymph nodes.
However, such organs also suffer from a variety of ailments. An accurate diagnosis is not always possible. Therefore, a biopsy of the lymph node is often performed. Often it is simply necessary. Such a study is prescribed to clarify the etiology of the disease or lymphostasis and lymphodema.
What it is?
What kind of research is this? A lymph node biopsy on the neck, in the armpit or groin is a fairly common procedure, which is prescribed for certain indications. In fact, this is a small surgical intervention. In the process of conducting such a procedure, the doctor removes part or all of the organ.
A biopsy is a laboratory study that can detect fibrotic changes in the mediastinum, as well as in the cervical and inguinal lymph nodes.
In what cases is appointed?
A lymph node biopsy allows you to timely identify violations that occur in the body. Therefore, similar studies are carried out for many indications:
- the procedure is prescribed to determine the etiology and malignancy of lymphadenopathy, if it is not possible to find out by non-invasive diagnostic methods;
- a lymph node biopsy is performed for lymphadenopathy, which takes a long time, even when the patient receives adequate therapy;
- if the patient has signs of a tumor etiology of lymphadenopathy, for example, proliferative or metastatic damage to the structures of the lymph nodes;
- upon identification during the initial examination of strongly enlarged, dense, but painless lymph nodes, accompanied by signs of general intoxication of the body.
In other clinical cases, a biopsy is not prescribed.
Who should not have a biopsy done?
An axillary lymph node biopsy in the groin or neck has a number of contraindications, including:
- cervical kyphosis of the spine, which does not allow a biopsy of the lymph node located on the neck;
- if suppuration is present in the lymph node itself or in the tissues surrounding it;
- with hypocoagulation syndrome, which is a violation of blood coagulation.
Lymph node biopsy requires professional intervention. After all, these organs are elements of the protection of the human body. Their damage in the presence of certain violations can only aggravate the patient's condition. Therefore, choosing a clinic for taking analysis and a specialist should be with special attention.
Main methods
So, how is a lymph node biopsy done? This procedure can be performed in several ways. The main methods include:
- open or excisional;
- puncture;
- suction.
Each of the methods has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the method of taking the analysis should be discussed in advance with the doctor.
Aspiration Biopsy
This biopsy method is carried out using a thin needle. The instrument is carefully inserted into the subcutaneous lymph node structure located under the jaw or above the clavicle, and material is extracted for further research. The procedure is carried out exclusively on an outpatient basis. It is worth noting that during the biopsy, the patient practically does not experience pain. Therefore, the aspiration method is used very often in modern medicine.
The tool with which the material is extracted is made in the form of a thin hollow needle. If the lymph node is not palpable, then determine its location allows the ultrasound device. This technique is often used for infectious or metastatic processes in the tissues.
Puncture biopsy
How is a lymph node biopsy performed in this case? The puncture method involves obtaining a column of biological material for all kinds of histological studies.
It is worth noting that this procedure is carried out in almost the same way as aspiration. The difference is in the tools. A puncture biopsy uses a needle equipped with a madrene that provides excision, as well as the retention of biological material.
However, this method is not recommended for cancer pathologies, as this can lead to the spread of affected cells. In addition, a puncture and aspiration biopsy often shows the wrong result.
Excision method
An open biopsy of the lymph node involves obtaining material intended for further research by surgical intervention. The procedure lasts at least an hour. During the intervention, the doctor makes a small incision through which the lymph node and a small piece of connective tissue are excised with a scalpel.
In this case, the patient is placed on the operating table, and then general anesthesia is administered . The place where the incision will be made is treated with a disinfectant. After that, the doctor proceeds to remove the lymph node. At the end, the incision is carefully sutured, and a bandage is applied over it.
This biopsy method is used more often than other methods. This is due to the greatest information content, as well as the reliability of the results. In some cases, an open biopsy is performed intraoperatively. This allows for rapid diagnostics. If the tissues turn out to be cancerous, then the doctor performs an extended surgical intervention.
Sentinel lymph nodes
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed to determine the prevalence of malignant processes, as well as to remove several lymph nodes, and not the entire group.
Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to maintain part of the organs of the structure. Sentinel lymph nodes are those that are first affected by malignant cells. The tendency of tumors to metastasize to these organs is the main problem in the treatment of oncology. To date, a sentinel lymph node biopsy has almost become a standard procedure in the presence of a tumor.
What should be done before biopsy?
Before taking such an analysis, you must visit a doctor and clearly describe your condition. In this case, one should talk about all pathologies and health problems, allergic reactions. It is also worth mentioning coagulation disorders and pregnancy, if a woman is in position.
If the patient was prescribed therapy with the use of medications, then before the start of the operation, a specialist should be told about this. A week before the scheduled procedure, you must stop taking medications that cause blood irritation. Such drugs include Heparin, Cardiomagnyl, Aspirin, Warfarin, Aspercard.
If general anesthesia is used during the biopsy, then it is worth stopping the use of food and drinks in 10-12 hours.
After the procedure
A lymph node biopsy does not cause pain, as it is performed either under general anesthesia or with local painkillers. The duration of the operation is from 30 to 50 minutes.
After the procedure, the patient will have to refuse to take a shower or bath, visit a bath and sauna for several days, since it is not recommended to wet the place where the puncture was made. It is also worth avoiding excessive physical exertion. The result of the research will be ready within 7-10 days.
What can be the complications?
After a lymph node biopsy, complications develop in some cases. First of all, do not forget that the procedure is, in fact, a surgical intervention. Although the operation is considered minimally invasive, in any case, penetration into the body occurs. For this reason, when conducting such a surgical intervention, the risk of developing complications increases. Among such phenomena, it is often found:
- infectious complications;
- dizziness or fainting;
- damage to lymphatic and nerve tissues;
- numbness of that part of the body where the studied lymph node was located;
- bleeding, which in the absence of serious damage goes away on its own after a few hours.
After a biopsy, doctors warn patients that if any complication occurs, you should immediately seek help from specialists. It is also worth visiting the clinic if there is swelling in the area of the lymph node to be examined, with fever, fever. If the pain does not disappear even after 7 days after surgery, you should consult a doctor. The reason for visiting a specialist may be the appearance of lumpy or purulent discharge of their wound, through which a puncture was performed.
Procedure cost
The cost of a lymph node biopsy depends on many factors. The price of the procedure can be from 1.5 thousand rubles to 6.7 thousand rubles. This is in government agencies. As for private clinics, in them the cost of a lymph node biopsy can be at least 14 thousand rubles.
Such a procedure is considered practically safe and the easiest method for diagnosing many diseases and disorders in the human body. However, a lymph node biopsy requires patient consent for such surgery. Also, with extreme caution, you should choose the clinic and the doctor who will conduct the procedure. This will avoid undesirable consequences and complications.
Particular attention should be paid to reviews of the clinic in which a lymph node biopsy is performed. It is better to choose those institutions that are characterized by former patients only on the positive side.