What is the definition or description of: lymph node biopsy?

Sample for pathology: Lymph node biopsies can be performed with needles that take clumps of cells or cores of tissue to analyze for pathology. Often, lymph nodes adjacent to malignant tumors are removed totally to determine whether or not the tumor has spread. Just nodes may be removed to diagnose diseases such as lymphoma.

Lymph node biopsy: There are many causes of enlarged lymph nodes, and sometimes the best way to understand why is to have a doctor obtain tissue from the enlarged lymph node. A pathologist can then look at the biopsy and help determine why it is enlarged. The most common cause is infection, but it is important to rule out cancer as a possible cause. Good treatments are possible once you know the cause.