Lymph Node Biopsy

Biopsy, Lymph Node

Results

A lymph node biopsy removes lymph node tissue to be looked at under a microscope for signs of infection or a disease, such as cancer. Test results from a lymph node biopsy are usually available within a few days. Finding some types of infections may take longer.

The lymph node sample is usually treated with special dyes (stains) that color the cells and make problems more visible.

Lymph node biopsy

Normal:	The lymph node has normal numbers of lymph node cells.
	The structure of the lymph node and the appearance of the cells in it are normal.
	No signs of infection are present.
Abnormal:	Signs of infection, such as mononucleosis (mono) or tuberculosis (TB), may be present.
	Cancer cells may be present. Cancer may begin in the lymph node, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, or may have spread from other sites, such as in metastatic breast cancer.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 1, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery
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