Lymph node biopsy procedural question

From: The Hurdy Gurdy Man (bryan_at_linux.webicommerce.com)
Date: 11/18/04 

Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 01:43:49 GMT

I have a question about the proper procedures for lymph node biopsies,
hopefully someone here can assist me. I recently noted what appeared
to be a swollen lymph node in my groin, and after an array of tests and
other procedures eventually I was sent in for a biopsy. It would seem,
however, that the surgeon did not remove the lymph node that originally
prompted the complaint; instead, he removed one a bit farther up (up
in the sense that it was in the direction towards my head, right around
the area where my pelvic bone can be felt through my skin). This struck
me as odd, as I would think it would make the most sense to take the one
about which I was actually concerned. The one he took was, by my best
recollection, of the same size and texture it had always been.

In searching around a bit, I have discovered that the preferred method
during a biopsy is to find the largest lymph node in the area and take
that one as it provides more material for dissection. However, in this
case, only one was swollen, and even if the one he took was larger or
easier to reach (I'm not sure why he picked the one he picked, as he
promptly went on vacation after the procedure and hasn't been available
to answer the question) it would seem prudent to take the one that
prompted concern. He did say, prior to the procedure, that "any in the
group" (his words) could be taken for a valid analysis. My question is,
is that true? Or is this a case where he should have taken the one
I indicated and, because he did not, invalidated the entire procedure?

Hopefully someone can shed some light on this, as it would seem I am
receiving insufficient answers to my questions when I ask them and I
would like an outside opinion to provide some contrast. Thank you!

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Lymph node biopsy procedural question
    ... >I have a question about the proper procedures for lymph node biopsies, ... > to be a swollen lymph node in my groin, and after an array of tests and ... > other procedures eventually I was sent in for a biopsy. ...
    (sci.med.diseases.cancer)
  • Re: Lymph node biopsy procedural question
    ... Maybe that one is not cancerous, but is swolen based on the an infection, ... closest lymph node to the infection. ... > to be a swollen lymph node in my groin, and after an array of tests and ... > other procedures eventually I was sent in for a biopsy. ...
    (sci.med.diseases.cancer)
  • Re: G.M.T. Thursday 18th October 2007
    ... Good morning Splodge - was it just your lights that went out? ... They did a biopsy on lymph node for Daughter she has to go back ...
    (uk.people.silversurfers)