Node biopsy - Lymphomas Message Board

Jett456 · 10-09-2006, 07:10 AM

The surgeon I went to wants to take out the node to have it biopsied. My internist led me to believe it would be a needle biopsy done in the office. I have had these palpable slightly enlarged nodes in my groin for over 15 years! I used to get horrible ingrown cysts all the time. I don't get them anymore but the nodes are still enlarged. I feel fine and don't really want to have anything cut out. There are risks with this surgery like lymphedema and infection. Anyway are there certain conditions where a needle biopsy isn't appropriate. I want to find another surgeon who will do the needle.

NY 1009 · 10-09-2006, 07:22 AM

Not that I know Jett.
I heard the other way around. My general surgeon wouldn't touch my enlarged node becasue it's sitting on the carotid artery and he suggested I see an ENT for the biopsy. he didn't trust himself I guess.

You're fortunate to find a dr who is willing to do an excisional biopsy rather than the FNA. FNA's have more room for misdiagnoses because it can miss the bad cells, where as if they take out the entire node, there's less chance of missing any cells.
are they taking out all 3 nodes or are they only taking one? I never heard of anyone getting lymphedema just from removing one node.

the underarms and groin nodes are the most palpable that people can feel.
some people who are overly thin can feel them easily. that's what a hemotologist told me.

I wish you the best outcome.

Linda