CLL cells are often found in the lymph system. If the cancer cells build up in lymph nodes, it can cause them to swell. A CLL patient’s doctor may decide to examine a sample of the patient’s lymph nodes using a lymph node biopsy if:
If the CLL patient’s doctor determines that they do need to analyze a patient’s lymph node, the patient can expect to receive an excisional lymph node biopsy. This means a full lymph node is removed for examination. If the lymph node is close to the skin, a local numbing solution is applied, a small cut is made into the skin, the desired lymph node is snipped out, and then the area is closed back up with stitches. If the needed lymph node is deeper in the body, general anesthesia is used for the surgery. Patients generally go home on the same day of the procedure.
If surgery is not possible such as when the lymph node is in a difficult-to-reach spot near important nerves or blood vessels, the patient’s doctor may use a thin needle to remove fluid and cells from the lymph node (fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsy) instead of an excisional lymph node biopsy.
An excisional lymph node biopsy is preferred over other types of lymph node biopsies like FNA for CLL patients because it provides the most comprehensive sample to analyze.
Typically, CLL patients can expect their test results within two weeks. The doctor who requested the test will discuss the results with you.
The things they are looking for with this test are the presence of CLL cells in the lymph nodes and if the CLL cells have morphed into a rare aggressive type of lymphoma known as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Richter's Transformation, DLBCL).
These findings will help clarify what type of treatment is needed and when to start treatment. Lymph nodes enlarged with CLL cells qualify a patient to receive targeted therapies like venetoclax or a BTK inhibitor. If the cancer cell has further mutated and become DLBCL, more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy may be needed to kill the cancer cells.
In conclusion, a lymph node biopsy is a helpful tool that can provide further insight into a CLL patient’s disease state than based on blood work alone. Although the idea of undergoing a biopsy can be daunting, understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare patients for a better experience.
CLL cells are often found in the lymph system. If the cancer cells build up in lymph nodes, it can cause them to swell. A CLL patient’s doctor may decide to examine a sample of the patient’s lymph nodes using a lymph node biopsy if:
If the CLL patient’s doctor determines that they do need to analyze a patient’s lymph node, the patient can expect to receive an excisional lymph node biopsy. This means a full lymph node is removed for examination. If the lymph node is close to the skin, a local numbing solution is applied, a small cut is made into the skin, the desired lymph node is snipped out, and then the area is closed back up with stitches. If the needed lymph node is deeper in the body, general anesthesia is used for the surgery. Patients generally go home on the same day of the procedure.
If surgery is not possible such as when the lymph node is in a difficult-to-reach spot near important nerves or blood vessels, the patient’s doctor may use a thin needle to remove fluid and cells from the lymph node (fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsy) instead of an excisional lymph node biopsy.
An excisional lymph node biopsy is preferred over other types of lymph node biopsies like FNA for CLL patients because it provides the most comprehensive sample to analyze.
Typically, CLL patients can expect their test results within two weeks. The doctor who requested the test will discuss the results with you.
The things they are looking for with this test are the presence of CLL cells in the lymph nodes and if the CLL cells have morphed into a rare aggressive type of lymphoma known as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Richter's Transformation, DLBCL).
These findings will help clarify what type of treatment is needed and when to start treatment. Lymph nodes enlarged with CLL cells qualify a patient to receive targeted therapies like venetoclax or a BTK inhibitor. If the cancer cell has further mutated and become DLBCL, more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy may be needed to kill the cancer cells.
In conclusion, a lymph node biopsy is a helpful tool that can provide further insight into a CLL patient’s disease state than based on blood work alone. Although the idea of undergoing a biopsy can be daunting, understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare patients for a better experience.
about the author
Megan Heaps
Megan joined HealthTree in 2022. As a writer and the daughter of a blood cancer patient, she is dedicated to helping patients and their caregivers understand the various aspects of their disease. This understanding enables them to better advocate for themselves and improve their treatment outcomes. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.