LYMPH NODE BIOPSY

A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.

How the Test is Performed

There are several different types of biopsies.

A needle biopsy is done using local anesthesia. There are two types.

• Fine needle aspiration uses a small needle attached to a syringe. Very small amounts of tissue cells are removed.
• Core biopsy removes slivers of tissue using a hollow needle attached to a spring-loaded device.

With either type of needle biopsy, the needle is passed several times through the tissue being examined. The doctor uses the needle to remove the tissue sample. Needle biopsies are often done using CT scan, MRI, mammogram, or ultrasound. These imaging tools help guide the doctor to the right area.

An open biopsy is surgery that uses local or general anesthesia. This means you are relaxed (sedated) or asleep and pain free during the procedure. It is done in a hospital operating room. The surgeon makes a cut into the affected area, and the tissue is removed.

A laparoscopic biopsy uses much smaller surgical cuts than an open biopsy. A camera-like instrument (laparoscope) and tools can be inserted. The laparoscope helps guide the surgeon to the right place to take the sample.

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