Question 1

i'm having open biopsy of neck lymph node diagnosed with atypical by previous needle biopsy. is cancer likely to be found?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: More history would be helpful such as is there a past history of cancer anywhere or a current mass in your thyroid or any other part of your body?  "Atypical" findings on a fine needle biopsy can be secondary to inflammation and not malignancy.  However, excisional biopsy of the node is critical to rule out malignancy.  Good luck!

Question 2

why might it be that i need a biopsy of neck lymph nodes?

Accepted Answer

Rule out malignancy.: The need for a biopsy depends upon a patient's specific clinical situation.  If a healthcare provider has suggested a tissue biopsy, it is likely because the diagnosis is uncertain.  A biopsy would allow for the tissues to be studied under the microscope.  This could help establish if the condition is an infection or a tumor and if a tumor is benign or malignant.  Talk with your doctor.

Question 3

biopsy of lymph node in neck. will they use local or general anesthesia since its so close to skin? also is core needle aspiration accurate?

Accepted Answer

Usually local : Lymph node biopsies are usually done with some local anesthesia injected into the skin.  General is used if you can't cooperate or have too much anxiety.  Core biopsy is used to obtain a small sample from a mass.  While not as accurate as removing the whole mass, it usually gives a clear answer.

Question 4

my son had a biopsy on a lymph node in his neck. it came back benign but has a collection of white blood cells. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Normal: All healthy lymph nodes have clusters of different types of white cells. They're your friends. If the pathologist did not give an additional diagnosis (for example, tuberculosis or Kikuchi-Fujimoto), consider yourself healthy.

Question 5

are there many dangers of having a lymph node from my neck removed for biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Low risk procedure: Removing a lymph node from the neck is a minor surgical procedure, most likely a day surgery or even an office surgery. Like all procedures, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and/or damage to tissue. But the question that must be answered, is what's the risk of not having the information your doctor is seeking? The procedure may guide treatment, and will hopefully provide reassurance.

Question 6

how long for results on neck lymph node biopsy? worse not knowing than knowing.

Accepted Answer

Varies: Generally there are preliminary results available immediately by frozen section, or permanent slides within 24-36 hours, but if special stains or consultation with other pathologists are necessary it may take appreciably longer.  Full detailed results are seldom unavailable within a week.

Question 7

100.2 fever after lymph node biopsy in neck what's normal and what's not normal?

Accepted Answer

Not usual: Call the doctor that asked you to follow up after the biopsy or if there is suture to be checked taken out or care for a possible infection. If not tender, you may have reactions to other factors such as latex, beta iodine or others you ingested unrelated to the biopsy. Do not worry,some people do have febrile reaction, even with minor pricks or bites. But do check your biopsy pathology,obviously.

Question 8

can hlh leukemia or general leukemia be hereditary? i have symptoms and considering a biopsy of the lymph node in my groin or neck. please let me know

Accepted Answer

Rare, if at all: But do not use abbreviations...I do not know what hlh leukemia is!
a simple blood test is the first step before you start thinking about a lymph node biopsy. So get a CBC and if it is normal, then you should feel that nothing like a leukemia is the cause of your symptoms!

Question 9

i had a lymph node biopsy (neck) that came back atypical cells. what does this mean and how likely is this cancer?

Accepted Answer

More investigation: Atypical cells means that the pathologist saw cells that weren't definitive for cancer, but were abnormal. These can be due to a number of things (infection, poor fixation, radiation, cancer, etc.), but rendering this diagnosis either means the pathologist will do special tests to determine this or lets your clinician know they may need more tissue if they are still suspicious.

Question 10

how does a doctor find lymph node in neck to biopsy? do they go by feel? do they use special techniques? i have a large one thats easy to find.

Accepted Answer

Unclear question: There is usually no need to biopsy a node that is not enlarged. A fine needle aspirate may avoid the need for a biopsy. Going by feel is the usual way to biopsy.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Biopsy of lymph node neck

A member asked:

I'm having open biopsy of neck lymph node diagnosed with atypical by previous needle biopsy. is cancer likely to be found?

A member asked:

Why might it be that i need a biopsy of neck lymph nodes?

A member asked:

Biopsy of lymph node in neck. will they use local or general anesthesia since its so close to skin? also is core needle aspiration accurate?

A member asked:

My son had a biopsy on a lymph node in his neck. it came back benign but has a collection of white blood cells. what does this mean?

A member asked:

Are there many dangers of having a lymph node from my neck removed for biopsy?

A member asked:

How long for results on neck lymph node biopsy? worse not knowing than knowing.

A member asked:

100.2 fever after lymph node biopsy in neck what's normal and what's not normal?

A member asked:

Can hlh leukemia or general leukemia be hereditary? i have symptoms and considering a biopsy of the lymph node in my groin or neck. please let me know

A member asked:

I had a lymph node biopsy (neck) that came back atypical cells. what does this mean and how likely is this cancer?

A member asked:

How does a doctor find lymph node in neck to biopsy? do they go by feel? do they use special techniques? i have a large one thats easy to find.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?