Excision Biopsy of Lymph Node
Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that can be found all over the body, with many found around the neck. They act like filters, removing waste and harmful substances while supporting your immune system.
Occasionally, these nodes can swell and become noticeable under the skin. This often signals that your body is fighting an infection, as bacteria or viruses become trapped in the lymph fluid. In rarer instances, a swollen lymph node could be a sign of something more serious, such as cancer. If this happens, you may need to undergo some tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the swelling.
What is Excision Biopsy of Lymph Node?
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When diagnostic tools, like imaging tests, don’t provide clear answers about the cause of swollen lymph nodes, your ENT specialist may recommend that you undergo an excision biopsy. The minimally invasive surgical procedure involves removing the entire lymph node so it can be examined in the lab for an accurate diagnosis. Since the entire node is removed, the risk of missing affected tissue is lower compared to needle biopsies.
If you’ve observed a lump that’s growing, hardening, or persisting for more than two weeks, consider scheduling an appointment with Aglow ENT Centre’s experienced ENT specialist, Dr Ker Liang. Our ENT specialist in Singapore will do a thorough evaluation and provide specialised treatment advice.
What are the Benefits of Excision Biopsy of Lymph Node?
An ENT surgeon may recommend this surgical procedure because of the following benefits that it can provide:
- Accurate Diagnosis: It allows for a definitive diagnosis by completely removing the lymph node for thorough histopathological analysis. This approach is important as it provides a comprehensive view of the lymph node structure, which is crucial for identifying conditions like lymphoma, tuberculosis, or metastatic cancers.
- Staging and Prognosis: It helps in determining the extent or spread of cancer in the body, especially head and neck cancers, by evaluating lymphatic spread. This evaluation provides essential information that is important for prognosis and treatment planning.
- Therapeutic Effect: In some cases, it may also provide a therapeutic benefit if the excised lymph node contains localised infection or malignancy.
What is the Success Rate of Excision Biopsy of Lymph Node?
This procedure has a generally high success rate and serves as an effective diagnostic tool such as accurately detecting cancers like lymphoma most of the time.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Excision Biopsy of Lymph Node?
Like any other surgical procedure, undergoing an excision biopsy carries potential risks. Some possible common side effects include mild swelling or bruising, soreness or tenderness and minor bleeding. Rest assured, these side effects typically resolve on their own. Moreover, at Aglow ENT Centre, Dr Ker Liang will help you understand the potential benefits and risks involved by patiently answering all your questions about the surgery.
When should you see an ENT specialist in Singapore?
Please consult an ENT specialist if you are suffering from any ear, nose, or throat symptoms. It is also advisable to visit an ENT doctor if you experience persistent mouth breathing due to a chronic blocked nose or encounter snoring issues.
Dr Ker Liang sees adults and children for general ENT conditions and provides comprehensive management in a broad range of Ear, Nose, and Throat, as well as Head and Neck conditions. She has a special interest in treating throat and voice conditions, including persistent sore throat, voice issues, snoring, and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
Medical Teaching
Assistant Professor Ker Liang has a passion for teaching and is an Assistant Professor with NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM). As the NUS-NUH Otolaryngology Department Undergraduate Medical Director, Dr Ker Liang supervises the training of medical students from YLLSOM, NUS. She is actively involved
in the training of postgraduate junior doctors and residents in the Head and Neck Surgery department. She was conferred with an Undergraduate Teaching Award by the National University Health System in 2016 for her outstanding efforts as an Otolaryngology educator.
Medical Teaching
Assistant Professor Ker Liang has a passion for teaching and is an Assistant Professor with NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM). As the NUS-NUH Otolaryngology Department Undergraduate Medical Director, Dr Ker Liang supervises the training of medical students from YLLSOM, NUS. She is actively involved
in the training of postgraduate junior doctors and residents in the Head and Neck Surgery department. She was conferred with an Undergraduate Teaching Award by the National University Health System in 2016 for her outstanding efforts as an Otolaryngology educator.
