Getting a Lymph Node Biopsy

 The only way to get a definite diagnosis of the cause of an enlarged lymph node is to remove it and look at it under the microscope.  This is called a lymph node biopsy.  It is a small operation, usually done in hospital under a general anaesthetic. 

When you wake up, you will have a few stitches where the lymph node has been removed.  These will be covered by a dressing.  You will probably be able to go home the same day, as soon as you have recovered from the anaesthetic.  You will probably have to go to your GP surgery to have your stitches removed, about a week to 10 days later.

My biopsy was done with a local anesthetic. The surgeon froze the area around the lymph he was removing.

It's a weird feeling having him cut while you are a wake. A few times I coud feel it and he had to do more freezing.

It was a fairly standard operation and I was out the door in 20 minutes.

I headed for home again to await results. Its a 3 hour bus ride. I preffer the bus to driving.

When I arrived home I had a message from my Doctor telling me he was scheduling a CT scan.

Another trip to the hospital.