Lymph Node Biopsy

Biopsy, Lymph Node

Results

A lymph node biopsy removes lymph node tissue to be looked at under a microscope for signs of infection or a disease, such as cancer. Test results from a lymph node biopsy are usually available within a few days. Finding some types of infections may take longer.

The lymph node sample is usually treated with special dyes (stains) that color the cells and make problems more visible.

Lymph node biopsy

Normal:	The lymph node has normal numbers of lymph node cells.
	The structure of the lymph node and the appearance of the cells in it are normal.
	No signs of infection are present.
Abnormal:	Signs of infection, such as mononucleosis (mono) or tuberculosis (TB), may be present.
	Cancer cells may be present. Cancer may begin in the lymph node, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, or may have spread from other sites, such as in metastatic breast cancer.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: April 29, 2009
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.