Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA) of Lymph Nodes

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of lymph nodes is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to assess enlarged or suspicious lymph nodes. It may be used in the diagnosis of cancer, metastatic disease, infections and inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis. During the procedure, cells are collected from the lymph node using a fine needle and are subsequently examined under a microscope.

In patients with suspected cancer, a lymph node FNA biopsy may help confirm the presence of malignant cells and determine whether a tumour has spread to the lymph nodes. This information may be important for further diagnostic assessment, cancer staging and treatment planning.

How to Prepare for a Lymph Node Biopsy

Preparation for a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of a lymph node is usually straightforward and the procedure does not normally require fasting. Before the biopsy, the patient should inform the doctor about all medications being taken, particularly anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, as well as any history of bleeding disorders, allergies and pregnancy. Any temporary modification of medication should only be made following medical advice.

How Is a Fine-Needle Lymph Node Biopsy Performed?

A lymph node FNA biopsy is usually a short procedure lasting only a few minutes. It is generally well tolerated and the discomfort is usually comparable to an injection or blood draw. The biopsy is typically performed with the patient lying down.

At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsies are performed to allow precise localisation of the lymph node and accurate placement of the needle within the area requiring assessment.

Cytological Examination of Lymph Node Biopsy Material

Material collected during a fine-needle aspiration biopsy is submitted for cytological examination. Because FNA collects individual cells rather than an intact tissue sample, the examination is primarily cytological rather than histopathological.

A specialist pathologist assesses the morphology and arrangement of the collected cells and looks for inflammatory, atypical or malignant changes. The examination may help identify inflammatory or infectious processes as well as metastatic cancer involving the lymph nodes.

In some situations, particularly when lymphoma is suspected or when fine-needle aspiration does not provide a definitive diagnosis, additional tissue sampling may be required. This may include core needle biopsy or surgical excision of the lymph node for histopathological examination.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes is therefore a valuable, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure. It is generally safe, well tolerated and may provide important information needed to determine the next stage of diagnosis and treatment.

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsies of lymph nodes are performed at our Medical Centre by surgical oncologists Dr Natalia Spychalska and Dr Kamil Drucis. Cytological material is assessed by specialist pathologist Dr Artur Antolak.

• If a malignant disease is diagnosed and you require consultation regarding treatment options and further oncological management, this consultation is also available at our Medical Centre with clinical oncologist and radiation oncologist Dr Magdalena Korożan. Book through our website (e-mail or telephone contact) or via ZnanyLekarz: Dr Magdalena Korożan.

• Ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsies are performed using a new-generation high-end ultrasound system – the GE LOGIQ E10.

We invite you to book a lymph node biopsy appointment with Dr Natalia Spychalska or Dr Kamil Drucis. Cytological and histopathological material is assessed by specialist pathologist Dr Artur Antolak.

Appointments can be booked through our website (e-mail or telephone contact) or via ZnanyLekarz: Dr Natalia Spychalska,  Dr Kamil Drucis,  Dr Artur Antolak.

Please note that the waiting time for the cytological or histopathological examination result depends on the type of material collected and the scope of pathological assessment.