Lymph node biopsy

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Lymphatic system

Lymph node metastases, CT scan

Biopsy - lymph nodes

Enlarged lymph nodes may be caused by a number of conditions, ranging from very mild infections to serious malignancies. Benign conditions can often be distinguished from cancerous and infectious processes by microscopic examination. The pathologist may also perform additional tests on the lymph node tissue to assist in making a diagnosis.

The examination of the tissue may show cancerous or noncancerous tumors, or the presence of infection.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Sarcoidosis

Review Date: 07/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.