Lymph Node Removal in Gdańsk

Lymph node removal, also known as an excisional lymph node biopsy, involves surgically removing an entire lymph node for histopathological examination. The procedure helps establish the cause of an abnormality when both the cells and the tissue structure need to be assessed.

At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, we offer assessment and diagnostic removal of selected superficial lymph nodes. A surgical oncologist determines whether the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis.

When is lymph node removal needed?

Not every enlarged lymph node requires surgery. Your examination, ultrasound and other test results, and the course of your symptoms help determine the next steps. Removal may be considered when:

• a lymph node remains enlarged or continues to grow and the cause is unclear,
• clinical examination or imaging indicates that a tissue sample is needed,
• lymphoma or another cancer is suspected,
• a previous biopsy has not provided enough material to establish a diagnosis.

A recommendation for surgery does not mean that cancer has been diagnosed. The examination may also reveal reactive changes, inflammation or infection.

Lymph node excision and needle biopsy

Fine needle aspiration collects cells for cytological examination, while a core needle biopsy provides small samples of tissue. Removing the entire lymph node allows its architecture to be assessed and provides material for additional diagnostic tests.

If lymphoma is suspected, an excisional biopsy may be recommended as the first sampling procedure. A needle biopsy beforehand is not always necessary. If the risks of surgery outweigh the expected benefits, your doctor may recommend a core needle biopsy. The choice depends on your clinical situation and how accessible the lymph node is.

Assessment and preparation before surgery

A surgical assessment is required before lymph node removal. Bring your ultrasound and other imaging results, any previous biopsy reports and relevant medical records to the consultation.

Tell your doctor about your medicines, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines, bleeding disorders, allergies and any problems with wound healing. Do not stop taking medicines on your own. Your surgeon will explain whether additional tests, changes to treatment or specific preparation for anaesthesia are needed.

What happens during lymph node removal?

A suitably accessible superficial lymph node can be removed under local anaesthesia. The anaesthetic injection may cause brief stinging. You may feel touch or pressure during the procedure; tell your doctor immediately if you feel pain.

The surgeon makes an incision in the skin, carefully separates the lymph node from the surrounding tissues and removes it completely. Bleeding is controlled, the wound is usually closed with stitches, and a dressing is applied. The removed lymph node is sent for histopathological examination.

The duration depends on the location and accessibility of the lymph node. Following an outpatient procedure, you can usually return home with aftercare instructions and a follow-up appointment. If a different surgical setting or type of anaesthesia is needed, your surgeon will explain the appropriate next steps.

Recovery after lymph node removal

You may experience tenderness, pain, mild swelling or bruising around the wound. Returning to work and physical activity depends on the site and extent of the procedure and how the wound heals.

• Care for the wound and change dressings as instructed.
• Limit strenuous activity and movements that stretch or cause pain around the surgical site.
• Take medicines as advised by your doctor.
• Attend your follow-up appointment and have any stitches removed when instructed.

Contact your doctor if you develop worsening pain, increasing swelling, redness, a fever, pus or persistent bleeding from the wound.

Possible complications of lymph node excision

Possible complications include bleeding, a haematoma, infection, delayed healing, scarring and a collection of fluid known as a seroma. Some fluid collections need to be drained by a doctor. Depending on the location of the procedure, nearby nerves or blood vessels may also be injured.

The risk of lymphoedema after removal of a single lymph node is generally lower than after extensive removal of a group of nodes, but it cannot be ruled out completely. Your individual risks are discussed during the surgical assessment.

Histopathological examination and lymph node biopsy results

A pathologist examines the structure of the lymph node and the cells within it. Additional staining, immunohistochemistry or other tests may be required. The findings are interpreted alongside your clinical examination and previous medical records.

At our centre, histopathological examinations and pathology consultations are provided by Dr Artur Antolak. The waiting time for histopathology results is approximately 30 days. Additional tests or a specialist review of the slides may extend this timeframe.

Discuss the result with the doctor managing your care. A diagnosis of lymphoma requires further care from a haematology or haemato-oncology specialist. If an oncology consultation is indicated, you can book an appointment with Dr Magdalena Korożan at our centre. Diagnostic removal of a lymph node does not necessarily complete treatment for the condition identified.

Lymph node removal in Gdańsk – doctors and appointments

Assessment and removal of superficial lymph nodes at Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre are provided by surgical oncologists:

• Dr Natalia Spychalska,
• Dr Kamil Drucis.

Book a consultation through ZnanyLekarz or our reception team. Call +48 58 719 10 25 or email kontakt@tartaczna2.pl. When booking, please specify that you need an assessment for surgical lymph node removal.