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?

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.

Can be local.: For most things a core needle biopsy will be sufficient for diagnosis. This can be done using local anesthesia. Occasionally the core is not sufficient and the lymph node would then have to be excised to get a larger sample.

Depends: Depends on how extensive the procedure will be, how sensitive to discomfort you are, and what will be safest for you. Local only or local with sedation or general can be utilized.