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Lymph nodes are powerful natural body filters that cleanse it of various pathogenic microorganisms, and also fight cancer cells. There are approximately six hundred lymph nodes in the human body, each of which actively performs its function. However, they are also susceptible to various kinds of diseases, which can be identified by a procedure such as a biopsy of the lymph node.
What is this research methodology, how to prepare for it and what to expect after it?
Biopsy of the lymph node, indications and contraindications
In oncological diseases, the spread of metastases through the lymphatic system most often occurs. Infected cells enter the capillaries and, together with the lymph, are transmitted to various lymph nodes. Thus, skin cancers, such as melanoma, develop. However, cancerous growths in the uterus, larynx, and also in the digestive system also form metastases in the lymph nodes.
In order to determine the presence of various pathologies in the lymph node itself, a biopsy is used, which is a small operation during which part of the lymph node or the entire node is removed for examination.
The material obtained as a result of such a procedure undergoes clinical studies to determine the presence of cicatricial changes in the lymph nodes on the neck, under the arms, in the inguinal region and in the mediastinum.
Such an operation is performed only by a highly qualified specialist, since at the same time the immune system, already damaged by the pathological process in the body, suffers to a large extent. Any outside interference can only worsen the situation, leading to negative and unpredictable consequences.
There are many indications for a biopsy of the lymph nodes. In mandatory cases, the doctor prescribes such a diagnosis for suspected oncological neoplasms, for the diagnosis of tuberculosis or sarcoidosis. Also the basis for such a procedure is the incessant enlargement of the glands with prolonged treatment.
The indication for a biopsy of the lymph nodes is a pronounced symptomatology, indicating the presence of metastases in them. It is also carried out in the case when the lymph nodes are significantly enlarged, which is felt even when probing, and all this is accompanied by severe intoxication of the body.
Contraindications to this examination technique are:
- suppuration of lymph nodes or connective tissues in this area;
- bleeding disorders;
- curvature of the spine in the cervical region when taking material from this particular area.
Biopsy sampling methods
Material for research during a biopsy of the lymph nodes is extracted from them in one of three ways: puncture, excisional and aspiration fine-needle biopsy.
With a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, a hollow thin needle is used, and if it is impossible to palpate the lymph node, ultrasound is connected. This procedure allows you to easily remove material from the submandibular lymph nodes or subcutaneous supraclavicular glands. Aspiration biopsy is often used to detect infectious and inflammatory processes or the development of metastases in the lymphatic system.
A puncture biopsy is carried out almost according to the same scheme as a fine-needle aspiration, with the only difference being that a special mandrin tool is used to take the material, with which biological samples are cut off and held. The puncture method is most often used for inflammatory processes in the inguinal lymph nodes, in the presence of metastases in the mediastinum, as well as in the thoracic lymph nodes with diagnosed lung cancer.
An open or excisional biopsy is most similar to a small operation in which the affected lymph node is completely excised. It can also be performed during surgery to remove malignant neoplasms. However, this requires fast and high-quality express diagnostics, which can show the presence of existing oncological tumors.
The use of needle biopsy in the presence of malignant tumors often leads to the spread of affected cells. It should also be noted that when using aspiration or puncture biopsy, histological analysis does not always show the correct result.
Biopsy of the sentinel lymph node
A biopsy of the sentinel lymph node helps to determine from which of them the spread of malignant affected cells began. In this procedure, a special dye is injected into the area of the primary tumor. The node that is first colored is the sentinel or signal node.
Removal of such a lymph node, as well as some located next to it, is performed to detect cancer cells. If metastases are found at the same time, it may be necessary to eliminate several lymph nodes. Most often, this technique is used in the diagnosis of axillary lymph nodes.
The extracted sample is examined by a pathologist, which sometimes reveals malignant cells even if the lymph nodes were not initially enlarged. Or vice versa, such an analysis gives a negative result, which indicates the purity of the site and the absence of cancer.
Possible consequences of a biopsy
Usually this procedure is well tolerated. A qualified specialist will conduct it painlessly and without causing discomfort to the patient. An excisional biopsy requires a suture, which is removed about a week after the procedure.
The most common complications after such an examination are:
- possible occurrence of infectious and inflammatory processes;
- leakage of lymph due to damage to the lymphatic ducts, which is not life-threatening for the patient;
- bleeding that occurs when capillaries near the lymph node are damaged;
- nerve fiber damage.
In order to protect yourself from possible unwanted complications, it is necessary to carry out this procedure in a specialized institution under the supervision of qualified personnel.
In conclusion
A biopsy of the lymph nodes is a diagnostic method that can detect the presence of malignant tumors, as well as the occurrence and spread of metastases. In some cases, this procedure helps to diagnose the onset and development of pathological processes in the lymphatic system in time, which will prevent many serious diseases.