Re: Lymph node biopsy procedural question

From: Steph (steph_at_vancouver.island)
Date: 11/18/04 

Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 02:04:54 GMT

"The Hurdy Gurdy Man" <bryan@linux.webicommerce.com> wrote in message
news:p7Tmd.13976$d96.9924@trnddc01...
>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!

Normally, the enlarged node should be the one removed. It is possible to do
a fine needle aspiration (FNA) first though

Relevant Pages

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