Lymph Node Biopsy in Pune: Testing a Swollen Gland

What is a lymph node biopsy?

Lymph nodes, often called glands, are small bean-shaped parts of the immune system found in the neck, armpits, groin and deeper in the body. They filter fluid from the tissues and often swell when they are fighting an infection.

A lymph node biopsy is a test. A swollen node, or part of it, is removed so a pathologist can examine it under the microscope, and sometimes with special tests, to find out why it is enlarged. An excision biopsy removes the whole node through a small cut and gives the most complete information.

When is a biopsy needed?

Most swollen glands are caused by colds, sore throats, skin or dental infections and go down within a couple of weeks. A doctor may advise a biopsy if a node:

• is still enlarged after a few weeks, or keeps growing;
• feels hard, rubbery or fixed in place;
• is larger than about 2 cm, or there are several in different areas;
• comes with fever, night sweats, weight loss or tiredness;
• looks abnormal on ultrasound, or a needle test has not given a clear answer.

The biopsy is usually arranged together with your physician, oncologist or chest physician, who will plan any further tests and treatment.

What are the types of biopsy?

Type	How it is done	Good for
Fine needle aspiration (FNAC)	Cells drawn through a thin needle	A quick first test; infection or spread of cancer
Core needle biopsy	A thin core taken with a wider needle, often under ultrasound	More tissue without a cut
Excision biopsy	The whole node removed through a small cut	Lymphoma, unclear needle results, tuberculosis
Incision biopsy	Part of a large node removed	When the whole node cannot be removed safely

How is an excision biopsy performed?

1. Marking: the node is felt and marked, sometimes with ultrasound.
2. Anaesthesia: local anaesthetic for nodes just under the skin; general anaesthesia for deeper nodes and for children.
3. The cut: a small cut is made over the node, in a natural skin crease where possible.
4. Removal: the node is gently separated from nearby nerves and vessels and removed whole.
5. Closure: the skin is closed in layers with fine stitches, sometimes with a small drain.
6. Laboratory: the node is sent fresh or in preservative, as the tests require.

How should you prepare, and what should you ask?

• Bring all scan, blood and earlier biopsy reports.
• Tell the doctor about blood thinners and supplements that affect bleeding.
• Follow fasting instructions if general anaesthesia is planned.

Questions to ask:

• Why is an excision biopsy advised rather than a needle test?
• Which node will be removed, and where will the cut be?
• When will the result be ready, and who will explain it to me?

What is recovery like?

Time	What to expect for most patients
Same day	Home after the procedure; mild soreness
Days 1-3	Back to light work; keep the dressing dry
Days 5-10	Stitches removed, if not dissolvable; results often ready
Weeks 2-4	Normal activity, including exercise

What are the risks of lymph node biopsy?

• Bruising or a small collection of blood or fluid, usually settling by itself.
• Infection, uncommon.
• Numbness around the scar.
• Nerve injury: rare, but in the neck a nerve to the shoulder muscle runs close to some nodes, and is carefully protected.
• Lymph fluid collection (seroma), especially in the armpit or groin.
• A result that is not conclusive, sometimes needing another test.

Contact the clinic for increasing swelling, pain, redness, discharge or fever, or new weakness of the shoulder or arm.

What results can you expect?

The small wound heals in one to two weeks with a fine scar. The laboratory report explains why the node was enlarged and guides any treatment. Many results show reactive changes or infection; when a serious cause is found, an early diagnosis helps treatment start sooner.

What affects the cost of lymph node biopsy in Pune?

• Site and depth of the node.
• Anaesthesia: local or general.
• Ultrasound or scans, if needed.
• Laboratory tests, including special stains or tests for tuberculosis or lymphoma.
• Follow-up visits.

A diagnostic biopsy may be covered by health insurance, depending on your policy.