Local or general anesthetic. Description of test You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure has been explained to you. The lymph node is held firmly between thumb and forefinger. The biopsy needle is inserted directly into the node. A small core of tissue is removed in the lumen of the needle.
Adhesive bandage is applied to the biopsy site.
Tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Skin over the node is cleaned with antiseptic then injected with a local anesthetic. With the scalpel, the surgeon makes an incision through the skin. The entire lymph node is removed and placed in the specimen bottle. Sutures are used to close the skin.