Lymph node biopsy in children and things to note

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Huy Hoang - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

A lymph node biopsy in children is done in most cases of children with enlarged lymph nodes to identify signs of infection or cancer. So what should be noted for lymph node biopsy in children to ensure the health of the child?

A lymph node biopsy is a technique in which a sample of a lymph node is taken for examination and examination under a microscope. Usually, lymph node biopsies are performed with ultrasound guidance and assistance to utilize the transducer to apply pressure on the lymph node and immobilize the lymph node, thereby shortening the distance between the skin and the lymph node.
In general, lymph node biopsy results allow assessment of benign - malignant characteristics of lymph nodes, thereby helping to classify stages to provide treatment as well as prognosis.

In the body, lymph nodes are usually located in the following locations: behind the head, in front and behind the ears, under the chin, jaw and face, above the collarbone, before and behind the neck area, above the armpits, below the elbows, in the groin, behind. pillow.
Lymph node biopsy is indicated in most cases of enlarged lymph nodes in children to look for signs of infection or cancer and should exclude reactive or metastatic lymph nodes. In particular, the cause of swollen lymph nodes may be due to an infection in the child's body and causing the lymph nodes to react, such as:
Flu virus, colds causing upper respiratory tract infections Streptococcus pneumoniae Epstein virus -Barr causes infectious mononucleosis Lymph node inflammation, acute leukemia Infection HIV virus Lymphoma cancer Some other diseases such as bacteria cause tuberculosis bacteria Scrofula disease, bacteria Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch disease, autoimmune lupus, Kawasaki, ... Lymph node biopsy is indicated when the doctor needs more in-depth examination if the child has signs of generalized lymphadenopathy, large lymph nodes (>2, 5cm), lymph nodes are hard, not mobile and not painful to touch, lymph nodes metastasize, children have unexplained weight loss, or sweat a lot at night, after treatment the lymph nodes are still abnormally swollen.

Usually, lymph node biopsies in children are performed under the guidance of an ultrasound machine, because the probe of the machine can immobilize the lymph nodes, especially the large ones, making the biopsy easier. This procedure is done as follows:
Step 1: Use an ultrasound machine to locate the biopsy site so that the biopsy site is closest to the tumor and does not enter the blood vessels. Step 2: Disinfect the skin and spread the hole at the needle puncture site to prepare for lymph node biopsy. Step 3: Sterilize the transducer and administer local anesthesia. Step 4: Use a knife to make a small incision at the biopsy marked site. Step 5: Use the needle to pierce through the hole created to the position of the outer edge of the lymph node, then stop. Withdrawal of the needle core will obtain a sample of lymph node tissue. Step 6: Lymph node biopsy is carried out in many different locations, it is necessary to take at least 3 samples in 3 directions. Step 7: Withdraw the needle after having taken enough sample and then bandage the biopsy site.

Not most cases of swollen lymph nodes in children are caused by cancer. It could be a sign that bacteria and viruses have entered the child's body. So, to know for sure what swollen lymph nodes are a sign of disease, parents need to take their child to see a doctor to be checked.
In case the child is assigned a lymph node biopsy, after the biopsy, the child may feel fatigue, headache and nausea. However, these symptoms do not last long and are mild. In addition, the child will also feel pain at the biopsy site. But this discomfort will quickly go away and the child's health will soon return to normal.

Taking care of children after a lymph node biopsy, parents should pay attention to wear breathable clothes to limit rubbing on the biopsy skin, and at the same time keep the wound clean and dry. When seeing the appearance of symptoms such as red hot swelling at the biopsy site, drainage, the child feels a lot of pain and does not see relief after taking pain relievers, has a high fever, ... parents should take the child to the facility medical check-up in time.
Lymph node biopsy in children should pay attention to follow-up care of children during and after the biopsy to promptly detect and handle abnormalities, if any. In addition, parents should choose reputable medical facilities to ensure the best biopsy process.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is equipped with modern facilities and a team of leading specialists with high expertise, which will help patients examine and detect diseases of the lymph nodes early to then take appropriate treatment measures to bring good health to the patient.
Therefore, the hospital is always a prestigious examination address that is highly appreciated by customers and professionals from service to quality of medical examination and treatment.