About Lymph Node Biopsy
Key Highlights
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Provides definitive tissue diagnosis for accurate disease identification.Minimally invasive with relatively quick recovery for most patients.Guides critical treatment decisions, including cancer staging and therapy planning.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in cancer surgery.Can be done using various techniques (FNA, core needle, excisional) tailored to individual cases.
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained, persistent lymph node enlargement (lymphadenopathy).
- Suspected spread (metastasis) of known cancers like breast, lung, or melanoma.
- Diagnosis of lymphomas (Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's).
- Evaluation of systemic infections like tuberculosis or fungal diseases.
- Investigation of inflammatory or autoimmune disorders affecting lymph nodes.
- Staging of cancer to determine the extent of disease progression.
How to prepare
- Complete medical history review and physical examination by the surgical oncologist.
- Blood tests and imaging studies (Ultrasound, CT scan) to locate the lymph node.
- Discussion of medications; may need to stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) temporarily.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours if general anesthesia or sedation is planned.
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, benefits, and risks.
- Arranging for someone to drive the patient home post-procedure if sedation is used.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or hematoma formation at the biopsy site.
- Infection, requiring antibiotics.
- Pain, bruising, or swelling in the affected area.
- Nerve injury, potentially leading to numbness or weakness (rare).
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia or cleansing agents.
- Lymph fluid accumulation (seroma) or persistent drainage.
- Scarring at the incision site.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Rest for 24-48 hours; avoid strenuous activity for the period advised by the doctor.
- Keep the biopsy site clean, dry, and covered as per instructions.
- Manage pain with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Watch for signs of infection: increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
- Follow-up appointment to remove stitches (if non-dissolvable) and discuss pathology results.
- Gradually resume normal activities as comfort allows, typically within a week.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Often outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 3-7 days for routine activities; 2-3 weeks for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering lymph node biopsy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform lymph node biopsy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lymph node biopsy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15 Thousand – 75 Thousand | 0-1 days (Often outpatient) | ~ 3-7 days for routine activities; 2-3 weeks for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 52.5 Thousand – 263 Thousand | 0-1 days (Often outpatient) | ~ 3-7 days for routine activities; 2-3 weeks for full recovery | Know More |
Rohan Jones, a 45-year-old construction supervisor,...
Rohan Jones, a 45-year-old construction supervisor, went to his GP after three weeks of unexplained night sweats, fatigue, and a 10-pound weight loss. A physical exam revealed several firm, enlarged lymph nodes in his neck. Blood tests were inconclusive, and a CT scan showed widespread lymphadenopathy. Dr. Schmidt, the surgical oncologist, advised a surgical (excisional) biopsy of the largest neck node, stating it was crucial for diagnosing potential lymphomas, which have varied treatment paths. Rohan had the procedure under general anesthesia. The biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma, a highly treatable type. The recovery from the neck incision was sore but manageable. Before the biopsy, Rohan was in denial, attributing his symptoms to overwork, but the doctor's seriousness forced him to confront the possibility of serious illness. The diagnosis, while frightening, provided a clear path forward. He felt a shift from fearful uncertainty to a determined focus on fighting a known enemy. He started chemotherapy with a clear treatment plan and a good prognosis, feeling mentally prepared for the battle ahead.
Surgical Oncologists for Lymph Node Biopsy
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform lymph node biopsy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore