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Fine needle aspiration of a lymph node helps investigate why a lymph node is enlarged or appears abnormal on ultrasound. It involves collecting cells for cytological examination. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsies are performed by surgical oncologists Dr Natalia Spychalska and Dr Kamil Drucis.
Enlarged lymph nodes can occur with infection or inflammation and do not always indicate cancer. Your doctor decides whether a biopsy is needed based on a clinical examination, ultrasound findings, symptoms and previous test results.
Fine needle aspiration may be considered for:
The procedure may involve accessible lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin, among other locations. Your doctor will assess whether fine needle aspiration is the appropriate method in your case.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) involves inserting a thin needle into a lymph node to collect a sample of cells. Ultrasound guidance helps the doctor select the sampling site and monitor the position of the needle in relation to the lymph node and surrounding structures.
You will be positioned to allow access to the area being examined. After cleaning the skin with an antiseptic, the doctor inserts the needle; more than one sample may be needed. Taking the samples usually takes a few minutes, while the full appointment also includes assessment of the lymph node and discussion of the next steps.
At our centre, ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsies are performed using the GE LOGIQ E10 ultrasound system.
Fine needle aspiration of a superficial lymph node does not usually require fasting unless your doctor gives you different instructions. Bring previous ultrasound reports, other imaging reports, any earlier biopsy results and records of cancer treatment, if applicable.
Tell your doctor about:
Do not stop anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines on your own. Your doctor will decide whether any changes to treatment or additional tests are needed.
You may feel a brief prick, pressure or discomfort when the needle is inserted and the sample is collected. The procedure is usually well tolerated, although pain sensitivity varies. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience significant discomfort.
Cells obtained through fine needle aspiration are sent for cytological examination. A pathologist assesses their appearance for signs of reactive, inflammatory or malignant changes. The test is useful, among other applications, in identifying cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. Additional tests may be needed if an infection is suspected.
At our centre, cytology samples are assessed by specialist pathologist Dr Artur Antolak.
The results must be interpreted alongside the ultrasound findings, clinical examination and medical history. Sometimes a sample contains too few cells or does not allow a clear diagnosis. An inconclusive result does not confirm that a change is benign and may require further sampling or a different biopsy method.
Fine needle aspiration alone cannot reliably exclude all types of lymphoma or provide the full information needed for diagnosis. Diagnosing these conditions often requires assessment of the lymph node's tissue structure and additional tests that routine cytology cannot provide.
If lymphoma is suspected, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of a lymph node for histopathological examination from the outset or, in appropriately selected cases, a core needle biopsy. The choice depends on factors including the location of the node, whether tissue can be obtained safely and the clinical circumstances.
After the needle is removed, pressure is applied to the sampling site and a dressing is placed if needed. You can usually return to everyday activities, following your doctor's individual advice.
Temporary tenderness, mild bruising or swelling may occur. Possible complications include bleeding, a haematoma and infection. Contact your doctor if you develop worsening pain or swelling, a fever, redness or persistent bleeding. Rapidly increasing neck swelling or difficulty breathing requires urgent medical attention.
The waiting time depends on the type of sample collected and the extent of the pathology investigations. Additional tests or a specialist review of the slides may extend this timeframe. Ask about the expected waiting time during your appointment.
Discuss the results with the doctor managing your assessment. They may recommend monitoring, treatment of the cause of lymph node enlargement or further investigations. If an oncology consultation is needed, Dr Magdalena Korożan also sees patients at our centre. Suspected or confirmed lymphoma requires appropriate specialist haematology care.
For a consultation and assessment for a lymph node biopsy at Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, book an appointment with:
Book through ZnanyLekarz or our reception team. Call +48 58 719 10 25 or email kontakt@tartaczna2.pl. When booking, please specify that you need ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of a lymph node.
