Lymph Node Biopsy

Biopsy, Lymph Node

Why It Is Done

Lymph node biopsy is done to:

• Check the cause of enlarged lymph nodes that do not return to normal size on their own.
• Check the cause of symptoms, such as an ongoing fever, night sweats, or weight loss.
• Check to see if a known cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This is called staging and is done to plan cancer treatment.
• Remove cancer.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 1, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery
© 1995-2008 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.