Question 1

when is it recommended to biopsy swollen neck lymph nodes?

Accepted Answer

Complicated: Depends on what else is going on, where the nodes are located, what they feel like on exam, how many and how large, whether they are painful or tender.  Single large nodes which are hard to the touch and fixed to underlying tissue will be biopsied quickly.  Multiple small, mildly tender nodes will generally be observed.  Anything in between is a judgement call by the doctor.

Question 2

after having a biopsy on my lymph node in my neck two weeks ago, should the area where the lymph node is, be swollen to three times the size it was?

Accepted Answer

No: Big swelling 2 weeks after a lymph node biopsy might indicate bleeding or infection, but there are other possibilities too -  it is important to get this checked out to find out what the cause is - you may need additional treatment.

Question 3

i have had lymph node biopsy on neck. been swollen for 4 weeks. told a lot of "muddy cells" in it. likliehood of cancer and origin of source please?

Accepted Answer

No such term : There is no such term in the standard Engish language nomenclature of lymph node biopsy. "Medullary" cells are totally benign.

Question 4

multiple swollen neck lymph nodes. excisional biopsy came back normal. called them reactive nodes. why is this?

Accepted Answer

Not known: The pathologist will call enlarged nodes for which a cause can not be ascertained, "reactive". The good news is that there is no cancer. You may need to watch and wait. Do see your doctor again if the nodes get larger or nodes in other areas of the body get larger.

Question 5

i have a large bump on the top of my spine below my neck. it is very hard. is it worrisome? i also have 3 swollen lymph nodes i'm getting a biopsy on.

Accepted Answer

Hard bumps: A hard bump in the skin at your age is most likely benign, perhaps an inclusion cyst, or an osteoma cutis. If the lymph nodes are related to the lump, they could also be reacting to an inflammatory process, though that might be more painful than hard. Have the doctor look at the skin bump when they evaluate the lymph nodes.

Question 6

ct scan: swollen neck lymph node for 2 mths. dr said reactive of benign nature and to f/u in 3 mths. insist biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Up to you: It us up to you, but you could also get a second clinical opinion before you go for a biopsy.

Question 7

swollen lymph nodes in neck! right side one has been swollen for a month and a half, left side lymph nodes developed within, cancer? biopsy coming up

Accepted Answer

Ans: Lymph nodes become inflamed for many possible causes. Now they can take several months to resolve. You are having a biopsy so that is fine but did you ever have your blood drawn?  Do you know those results?

Question 8

had excisional biopsy everything came back clear. still have swollen lymph nodes in neck. same size. why is that? was told there reactive nodes

Accepted Answer

?  mononucleosis: When a node in any node bearing area is enlarged, a biopsy must reveal cause of node alteration.  If FNA performed, findings can be neg. since architecture of node must be examined,  Excisional bx needed and if totally normal a second area must be examined to look for I.M. or lymphoma.  If inflammation , source must be defined.

Question 9

can a cat scan detect if a swollen neck lymph node is cancerous bc my ent dr said it can?  i thought only a biopsy can. thanks.

Accepted Answer

Yes it does: Ct of neck especially with contras is a very good tool to scan cervical lymph nodes. Speak to your doctor.

Question 10

is the risk really worth it when the ent dr tells my dad he needs to have an excisional biopsy on a swollen neck lymph node and possible dissection?

Accepted Answer

Typically biopsy is: done to determine what's going on, in order to get to lymph node the skin must sometimes be dissected or opened up to find the lymph node. Sometimes fine needle aspirations can be done. But i believe you said your dad had a history of neck cancer, so I would allow the doctors to find out what's going on, biopsies are not typically dangerous

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Doctor answers about:

What method can be done to biopsy swollen lympth nodes in the neck

A member asked:

When is it recommended to biopsy swollen neck lymph nodes?

A member asked:

After having a biopsy on my lymph node in my neck two weeks ago, should the area where the lymph node is, be swollen to three times the size it was?

A member asked:

I have had lymph node biopsy on neck. been swollen for 4 weeks. told a lot of "muddy cells" in it. likliehood of cancer and origin of source please?

A member asked:

Multiple swollen neck lymph nodes. excisional biopsy came back normal. called them reactive nodes. why is this?

A member asked:

I have a large bump on the top of my spine below my neck. it is very hard. is it worrisome? i also have 3 swollen lymph nodes i'm getting a biopsy on.

A member asked:

Ct scan: swollen neck lymph node for 2 mths. dr said reactive of benign nature and to f/u in 3 mths. insist biopsy?

A member asked:

Swollen lymph nodes in neck! right side one has been swollen for a month and a half, left side lymph nodes developed within, cancer? biopsy coming up

A member asked:

Had excisional biopsy everything came back clear. still have swollen lymph nodes in neck. same size. why is that? was told there reactive nodes

A member asked:

Can a cat scan detect if a swollen neck lymph node is cancerous bc my ent dr said it can? i thought only a biopsy can. thanks.

A member asked:

Is the risk really worth it when the ent dr tells my dad he needs to have an excisional biopsy on a swollen neck lymph node and possible dissection?

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